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Ottawa commission adopts 2024 budget amendments affecting five funds, including golf course start-up
Summary
The commission adopted 2024 budget amendments Aug. 28, increasing authority for five funds (water utility, library, Special Parks, Proximity Park special sales tax, and golf course) to reflect adjusted revenues, a $50,000 donation, a land purchase of about $220,000 and transfers to begin golf course operations.
The Ottawa City Commission on Aug. 28 adopted amendments to the 2024 budget for five city funds, a vote staff said was necessary to legally expend dollars not in the original appropriation.
Director Landis explained the amendments during a public hearing. She described five funds affected: the water utility fund (lower-than-expected fund balance and moving up a water-main replacement project); the library fund (receipt of motor vehicle and delinquent property taxes that require post-adoption accounting); the Special Parks fund (an unexpected $50,000 donation for a Forest Park shelter and adjustments tied to ARPA funding); the Proximity Park special sales tax fund (settling grant matches and a roughly $220,000 land acquisition moved into the 2024 budget); and the golf course fund (transfers from the Economic Development Fund to support opening operations in 2025 and a final debt payment made earlier in 2024).
Landis said the public hearing was properly noticed in the Ottawa Herald on Aug. 14, meeting statutory notice requirements for budget amendments. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about investment income estimates, the designation of reserves and the golf course capital improvements; Landis explained that an increase in projected investment income reflected higher cash balances and that some line items were designated as reserves to provide flexibility.
After closing the hearing, the commission moved, seconded and adopted the amendments by roll call. Commissioner Clayton, Commissioner Kaler, Commissioner Crowley, Mayor Pro Tem Allen and Mayor Skidmore voted yes.
Landis said the city anticipates a $100,000 transfer from the Economic Development Fund this year to support initial golf course operations and has budgeted an additional transfer for 2025. She also noted some expenditures were moved from 2023 into the 2024 budget where timing had shifted.
The commission's action provides the legal authority to expend the identified dollars; detailed spending and any additional project approvals will follow through administrative processes and future agenda items.
