Controller gives unaudited FY2024 summary; councilors press for clearer budget tracking

Bart Powers, the city controller, presented an unaudited summary of fiscal year 2024 results at the June 10 Glens Falls City Council meeting and answered council questions about budgeting and reporting practices.

Powers told councilors that the figures he distributed are unaudited and that the final audit is due Sept. 30. He summarized several line items: revenues for 2024, as presented in his packet; an $831,000 fire truck purchase paid from fund balance; and water-fund activity, which he said “earned about $3,065,071.10” and spent about $2,673,242, with an estimated fund increase noted in his remarks.

Several councilors pressed for clearer reconciliation between prior-year budget projections and actuals. One council member said the council lacks “breadcrumbs” to track how original budget figures approved in November relate to subsequent amendments and warrant adjustments presented during the year. The councilor argued that without a consistent way to map appropriations by department and budget object, it is difficult to see trends and verify fiduciary stewardship.

Powers and councilors said they would schedule a finance-committee meeting in the coming weeks to address midyear results and reporting improvements. A councilor suggested retaining the original November-adopted budget figure in reporting documents alongside later amendments so members could better track changes when state aid or other revenue items are updated.

Powers reiterated that the numbers he presented are estimates pending the formal audit and encouraged councilors to submit questions and suggestions for the finance-committee agenda. No formal budget amendment was adopted at the meeting beyond the already-noted consent and resolution items on the agenda.