Laramie council approves $96 million carryforward and final FY2025 budget amendment

The Laramie City Council on Oct. 21 approved two budget actions: a large reappropriation (carryforward) of unspent capital and project appropriations totaling $96,067,168 and a final fiscal‑year 2025 amendment that reduces appropriations by $19,187,521 overall.

Finance Director Wade told council the carryforward reflects projects and capital appropriations that were lawfully authorized in prior periods but remain unspent; the total includes $42,142,297 in governmental funds and $53,924,871 in enterprise (proprietary) funds. Major fund carryforwards include $12,021,213 in the general fund, $17,035,614 in the specific purpose tax fund, $28,377,328 in the water fund and $24,395,843 in the wastewater fund. Wade said the numbers are larger than prior years and recommended staff and council review capital plans for prioritization.

The separate FY2025 final amendment reallocated several project budgets and adjusted the Dallin diversion project budget to reflect grant awards; it also dissolves the city’s legacy health insurance fund and distributes remaining balances proportionally across operating funds by budgeted FTEs. The net effect presented was a $19.2 million reduction in total appropriations for FY2025 with small impacts to cash reserves (net $22,229 increase in governmental funds; $110,000 decrease in enterprise reserves). Director Wade said most of the changes reflect grants, loans or project timing rather than changes to core operations.

Councilors asked about the size of the carryforward and were assured many items are multiyear projects; staff committed to a further review of capital priorities. Both actions passed by roll call votes recorded as 5–0 (four absent).