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DBI projects small surplus but flags refunds and legal costs; supplemental appropriation planned
Summary
DBI Financial Services Manager Pamela Levin told the commission the department projects a year‑end surplus of about $1.4 million based on September 2009 actuals, but noted large refunds in September (~$300,000), recognition of $856,000 in MOU revenues and a projected expenditure shortfall of roughly $865,000; staff said a supplemental appropriation request will be submitted.
Pamela Levin, DBI financial services manager, presented the department’s monthly financial report through September 2009 and said DBI is currently projecting a year‑end surplus of roughly $1.4 million (about 4% of the department’s budget) based on three months of actuals and a set of revenue recognition decisions.
Levin described the main drivers behind the projection: $164,000 of carried‑forward encumbrances, an estimated $1,000,000 in additional revenues recognized from recent fee changes affecting apartment and hotel license fees, and $856,000 in revenues tied to interdepartmental MOUs (for example, projects with the Port, Treasure Island and Transbay Joint Powers Authority). She also said the department had separated charges for services and refunds onto different accounting lines to make monitoring clearer.
Levin told the commission that DBI paid about $300,000 in refunds in September (compared with roughly $22–24,000 in July and August) due to two large refunds processed that month. She said refunds are an ongoing variable that can swing month to month. On the expenditure side, DBI is projecting a deficit of about $865,000 (approximately 2% of budget), largely driven by anticipated city attorney work orders and recognition of $875,000 in MOU‑related expenses tied to revenue recognition.
Levin said DBI plans to submit a supplemental appropriation request in the coming month to recognize the increased MOU revenues and associated expenses and will also bring amendments to the annual salary ordinance if new positions are needed to implement the MOUs. Commissioners asked follow‑up questions about refunds and program impacts; Levin said staff will continue to monitor actual receipts and return with updates.
No formal vote was taken on the finances; DBI staff said the supplemental appropriation will be brought forward in the near term.
