Borger reports near-balanced general fund, better-than-expected hotel revenue; water/sewer deficit smaller than planned

City Manager Brandon reported that the city’s general fund finished the year about $114,944 under its amended revenue budget, roughly 0.5 percent, and roughly $48,000 above the original adopted estimate. Expenditures were about $240,000 under budget, and after transfers — including a move to finance new skate park equipment — the fund’s year-end position was approximately $64,000 in surplus.

Brandon said sales tax receipts totaled $4,138,840 for the year, about $132,000 below budget and roughly 3 percent lower than the previous year. He noted October receipts reflect August collections and the city will monitor whether recent influxes of turnaround workers increase future collections.

The water and sewer fund, Brandon reported, finished with about a $2.3 million deficit compared with a budgeted $2.7 million deficit. Revenues were $278,663 below the amended budget but $421,336 above the original revenue estimate; expenditures were about $700,131 below the amended budget. He said the city shifted some internal funds to cover expenses…