West Bend finance committee moves transfers, accepts donations and GEMT funds, approves $81,388 in write-offs

At its Nov. 10 meeting the West Bend finance committee approved several financial actions affecting parks, fire and ambulance funds.

Finance staff requested a $28,000 transfer from the recreation fund to an expense account to balance the Regner Aquapark project until the remaining pledged donations arrive over the next six years; staff said the aquapark contract and revenues had been $404,000 and that approximately $30,000 in pledged donations will be received over time. The committee approved Resolution 40 to effect the transfer.

The committee also accepted three donations under Resolution 41: $25,000 from the West Bend Friends of Park and Recreation (final installment of a $50,000 commitment for Regner Park Aquapark), $5,000 from Westbury Bank (first of seven naming-right installments), and $1,000 from Roots and Branches for park amenities. The committee expressed thanks to the donors and approved the resolution by voice vote.

Under Resolution 42 the fire department’s request to accept a $50 donation from Sally Mundinger for smoke and CO alarms was approved. The committee also approved Resolution 47 to accept Wisconsin GEMT reimbursement funds for FY2023; the fire chief explained GEMT narrows the gap between Medicaid/Medicare reimbursements and actual ambulance costs and that FY2023 funds were retroactive and unbudgeted.

Finally, finance staff presented three lists of uncollectible accounts and asked the common council to authorize write-offs totaling $81,388.47 (ambulance invoices, miscellaneous city invoices and delinquent personal property taxes from closed businesses); the committee advanced that authorization and the council later approved the write-offs.