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Council approves DDA budget after debate over large fund balance
Summary
Council passed the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) budget after extended discussion about a roughly $889,000 fund balance and how DDA projects would be selected and approved.
The Flat Rock City Council voted to approve the Downtown Development Authority’s proposed budget after members pressed for clarity about a roughly $889,000 fund balance and the DDA’s project-selection process.
Brian (city staff) told the council the DDA budget is effectively breakeven with a small $2,200 increase and an available fund balance just under $900,000. Councilmember Bergeron and others asked how and when those funds would be spent and requested that planned projects be presented to council.
Councilmembers were told the DDA retains the fund to finance projects and had budgeted $300,000 for the coming year. Brian and Marciniak (City Administrator) said smaller projects have already been approved by the DDA, and that any expenditure over the council’s established threshold must come to council for final approval and a budget amendment.
"There's a lot of stuff that they're working on," one councilmember said, urging greater transparency. Council members were reminded that two council-appointed members sit on the DDA and should relay project plans back to the council.
After discussion, a motion to adopt the DDA budget passed with council support. Council members and staff said they expect the DDA to bring specific capital projects forward for formal approval and that staff is working on a capital improvement plan to guide spending.
