Forest Park council approves $597,966 budget amendment, shifts funds to fleet and boosts police special fund

The Forest Park City Council on Dec. 16 approved a budget amendment that increases the city's FY 2024–25 general fund revenue estimate and reassigns accounts to cover year-end needs and training for the police department.

City Manager Clark explained the amendment would increase the general fund revenue estimate from the previously adopted figure to roughly $42.7 million and that the adjustment will improve the city's audit results. "This correction for the budget amendment, it will increase the stated general fund revenue previously adopted on June 26, 2024 from 41.9 to 42.7 and increased expenditures from 42.1 to 4027," Clark said during the presentation.

Staff explained the amendment adds $597,966 in revenue adjustments to the operating budget; of that amount, $436,781 will be transferred to the fleet department's gas/fuel line items from other departmental gas accounts. The police department's special fund had been budgeted at $8,000 but will be increased by $110,000 to $118,000 to pay for additional training, staff said.

Finance staff reviewed monthly revenue and expenditure snapshots and told the council the city remains on track to complete the annual audit and obtain budget award certifications. The finance presentation noted the city collected about $1,112,573 in revenue for November and that overall departments had expended about 34% of budget through November for the fiscal year.

Councilmembers asked no substantive questions before approving the amendment on the regular session vote.

The council approved the budget amendment by recorded vote. No additional budget strings (new ongoing positions or permanent program commitments) were attached to the amendment during the meeting; staff characterized the changes as year-end accounting adjustments and an allocation to support training and fleet needs.