Committee reviews technical transfers: TMUA sewer appropriations and OWRB project fund reallocations

Budget staff and Public Works briefed the committee on several technical budget amendments and project transfers affecting sewer capital and OWRB loan‑funded projects.

Jared Moore from the budget office summarized an ordinance to amend the fiscal year 2024–25 budget to recognize $84,200 in reimbursement revenues to the TMUA sewer operating fund for emergency sewer repairs performed on a commercial property; the reimbursement is being reappropriated to the emergency contract account so funds are available for future emergency work.

Another ordinance discussed a $1,473,000 transfer between projects within the TMUA Sewer Capital Projects subfund to advance the Upper Joe Creek East Branch project ahead of schedule. Public Works explained this is a timing matter: projects being reduced will be funded later with revenue bonds while the Upper Joe Creek project can proceed immediately if cash is available.

Staff also described consolidation of multiple Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) promissory‑note subfund balances into ongoing LaFortune/Upper Joe projects. The agenda listed specific transfer amounts across several OWRB subfunds (examples cited in the packet included transfers of $8,856.78, $54,444.86, $357,968.06, $800,065.33, $102,803.11, $415,852.99, $93,052.75 and $577,632.43) to consolidate remaining balances into the LaFortune project accounting structure. Public Works said the intent is to use those sitting OWRB balances toward an ongoing project rather than retire loan balances, because continuing to carry the OWRB loan is more efficient than replacing it with other financing in the current context.

Committee members asked whether the transferred OWRB balances would be fully utilized; staff replied that the current plan anticipates full utilization in the ongoing project and that capital project reviews will continue to ensure proper allocation if balances change.

No formal committee votes were recorded in the transcript for these budget amendments; items were presented as technical adjustments and staff answered questions about timing, loan servicing and overall project cost. The Upper Joe Creek project was described in discussion as a multi‑million dollar undertaking (presenters referenced a figure around $5.5–6 million) and staff noted that COVID‑era inflation increased final costs requiring partial cash funding early in the project.

Ending: Staff said accounting consolidations will proceed and Public Works will continue to brief the council as projects move into construction and bond financing.