Missoula council adopts FY2026 first-quarter budget amendments, citing carry-forwards and new revenues

The Missoula City Council unanimously approved first-quarter amendments to the fiscal year 2026 budget at its Dec. 1 meeting, increasing total city revenues by $2,035,515 and budgeted appropriations by $2,913,479.

Finance Director Lee Griffin told the council the packet includes 11 listed amendments that recognize new revenues, prior-year carry-forwards and transfers between line items. “Budget amendments come along to adjust spending authority when new revenues, project needs, or timing changes occur,” Griffin said during the staff report.

Mayor (presiding) opened a public hearing on the resolution and invited community comment; no members of the public spoke on the item. Council President Cheryl moved to adopt the resolution, and the clerk conducted a roll call vote. All members present voted yes and the mayor announced the measure passed unanimously.

City staff said the exhibit attached to the agenda identifies the funding source for each adjustment (including fund balance where applicable) and that some entries represent prior-year contracts or projects carried forward into FY2026. Griffin described the transfers at the end of the exhibit as largely an internal accounting exercise intended to improve transparency.

The amendment package will be reflected in the city’s published budget documents and grants/contract tracking; finance staff will implement the changes consistent with state law and the city’s appropriation rules.

Next procedural steps: the adopted resolution takes effect as a council action and will be incorporated in the city’s financial reporting for FY2026.