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St. Tammany finance committee: sales-tax receipts outpace budget; fund-balance timing drives reserve policy
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Summary
The finance committee reviewed August collections and year-to-date projections, noting Sales Tax District 3 and Highway 21 EDD receipts above budgeted levels. Staff cautioned that many revenues are restricted or received seasonally, and highlighted potential December budget amendments for several lighting districts.
St. Tammany Parish Finance Committee members heard a monthly finance briefing and fund-balance projection during their meeting on the finance committee on Sept. 1, 2025.
Annie Perkins, finance staff, said Sales Tax District 3 produced about $6.5 million in August, “about 4% above the 2024 collections,” and that staff now project roughly $80 million in collections for fiscal 2025 — approximately $4 million above the adopted budget. Perkins said the Highway 21 Economic Development District collected about $120,000 in August and staff expect September through December to run $120,000–$140,000 per month, putting the district on track to collect roughly $1.4 million for the year versus a budget near $900,000.
Perkins told the committee that some recent increases reflect one-time or timing effects: “we did receive back taxes during this fiscal year 2025 from the 2024 collections of about 3%,” a factor that boosts year-to-date actuals compared with annual budgets. She also noted that ad valorem collections are typically concentrated between December and March, so projected balances rely on timing assumptions for receipts.
Committee members repeatedly stressed that many of the noted revenues are restricted. Councilmember Mister Bender told constituents’ questions about perceived “millions of revenue” that “this is restricted money. This isn't money that's available. This isn't general fund dollars.” Perkins reiterated that restricted funds must be spent within the purposes approved by voters or state law.
On special revenue funds, Perkins said most are on target but flagged several smaller lighting districts where interest income is below projections; those funds have declining fund balances and could require a budget amendment in December to remain in compliance with state budget law. Perkins explained the parish is monitoring whether revenues will reach 95% of budgeted amounts — the trigger for required budget amendments under state law.
Debt service, enterprise and internal service funds were also reviewed. Perkins said the parish has one remaining payment on a sales-tax debt service issue and upcoming Gomesa-related payments in November that will generate residuals available for capital transfers. Utility operations are projecting over-budget receipts for some fees and under-budget collections for others; the Goodby Wastewater Treatment Plant remains a multiyear capital project funded in part by a DEQ loan.
Committee members thanked Perkins for the PowerPoint presentation, which members said made the data easier to follow. No formal action on operating financing was taken during the briefing; ordinances were introduced later in the agenda and forwarded to the full council by a separate vote.
