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Sulphur council adopts FY2025-26 budget with amendments; $6 million transfer to utility projects included
Summary
The council passed the city's annual budget after amendments that adjust line items, add funding for water/wastewater projects, increase marshals' salaries, and move $6 million from the general fund to public utilities to support capital improvements.
The Sulphur City Council approved the fiscal year 2025-26 budget ordinance (Ordinance 40-25) after a set of amendments proposed by finance staff. Finance Director Jennifer Thorne told the council the amended budget updates several line items with more current actuals and corrects calculation errors. Among the changes, the budget includes a $6,000,000 transfer from the general fund to the public utility fund to help finance water and wastewater capital improvements and services.
Amendments and adjustments: Thorne said she added $10,000 to the mayor's budget for a STEM program, increased marshals' office salaries by $33,000 to correct an oversight, and reduced a finance/professional-services account by about $500,000 after discovering an overstatement in the proposed draft. The police department expenses were reduced after expectations about vehicle timing changed: capital police unit purchases arrived earlier than budgeted, lowering the out-year expense.
FEMA reimbursements and fund balance: Thorne told the council the beginning fund balance was adjusted to reflect FEMA reimbursements that were not included in an earlier draft. The updated beginning fund balance and the amended items change projected ending balances for the fiscal year.
Public comment and concern: Several residents asked whether utility improvements funded through the budget would justify rate increases and whether the city could avoid spending increases. Donna Clark and other speakers asked for faster work on water quality and clearer accounting of how funds will be used. Sheila Broussard and other residents also urged fiscal caution given post-storm population and growth changes.
Vote and next steps: The council approved the amended budget by roll call during the meeting and Thorne said she will upload the updated budget materials to the city website the next day. Staff will provide follow-up on capital project timelines, state reimbursements, and progress on water-sector-funded projects supported by the transfer.
Ending: Council members said they expect staff to monitor projects and provide periodic updates; the $6 million transfer was characterized as a necessary measure to accelerate water and wastewater capital work that had been delayed by storm damage and procurement timing.
