Mableton reports healthy cash position, conservative spending in first fiscal quarter

Finance Director Karen Ellis reviewed Mableton’s quarter‑one financial picture (July–Sept. 2025) at the Nov. 12 council meeting, reporting that timing around the annual audit has depressed some line items and that, on balance, the city remains in a stable position.

Ellis said total revenues for the quarter are lower than the 25% seasonal benchmark largely because revenues collected late in the quarter were pushed into the previous fiscal year for audit purposes. She provided a headline figure (reported as approximately $1.4 million) and characterized revenues as 'a little under 15%' of annual budget at the snapshot date, and said license and permit receipts are trending above budget (~30%).

The city’s cash position, combining checking and investment accounts, was described as just over $7.2 million. The Mableton Urban Redevelopment Agency fund holds about $2.5 million remaining from a 2024 bond issue earmarked for redevelopment projects and principal and interest funded from the general fund. Ellis said insurance premium tax timing (annual receipt Oct. 15) and franchise tax cycles explain short‑term variance from budget pacing, and that hotel/motel taxes (budgeted at $375,000) are trending high but are seasonal.

On expenditures, staff reported most departments are below budget through Sept. 30; the fleet capital budget was set at $500,000 and staff reported about $350,000 spent as of September with remaining balances captured in October financials. Ellis emphasized the city’s conservative accounting posture while the audit is completed and noted one quarter of a transfer to a tree fund is reserved for future projects pending council approval of expenditures.

Council members asked clarifying questions about due dates for occupational and alcohol taxes and collection timing; staff confirmed occupational taxes are due in March and that alcohol taxes have a Dec. 31 collection point. No motions were required for the presentation; council discussion focused on timing, transparency and next steps for proposed capital projects.

What the numbers mean

• Revenue timing: Audit adjustments and timing of receipts create a lower apparent Q1 percent‑of‑budget; staff said collections are on target. • Liquidity: $7.2M in combined cash/investments gives the new city operating flexibility while the URA fund provides capital resources tied to redevelopment work. • Capital pressures: Fleet spending has consumed much of its initial allocation; council will track actual project approvals that draw from capital transfers.

Follow up requested

Council asked staff to continue regular updates to ensure transparency on audit adjustments, to report back when transfers to project funds are programmed to specific city projects, and to provide clarity on any one‑time revenues or interfund transfers that will affect year‑end balances.

Source: Presentation by Finance Director Karen Ellis, Mableton City Council meeting, Nov. 12, 2025.