Finance director reports higher license processing and outlines budget snapshots

Finance Director Alexander presented a third‑quarter revenue and licensing update for calendar year 2025. He reported roughly 7,800 licenses processed so far in 2025, up from 6,900 at the same point in 2024 (about a 13% increase). The revenue division has approximately $329,000 in pending lockbox accounts, driven primarily by alcohol license renewals and processing timing.

Alexander described efforts to modernize renewals through the civic access portal and said the city is working with Tyler representatives to implement online renewals and other automations. He noted about 14 problem accounts remain under collection and that code enforcement received about 900 turned‑over accounts to pursue compliance. He suggested reconsidering quarterly estimated prepayments because the prepayment mechanism complicates online renewals.

On the monthly snapshot, Alexander showed several fund variances driven by timing and revenue recognition: general fund revenue up ~14.7% (partly due to earlier tax receipts and increased insurance premium revenue), stormwater and paving funds up substantially due to property‑tax–backed revenues and capital purchases, and community care fund down due to a reduced millage rate. Operating expenditures track to plan overall but several departments (IT, HR, public works, facilities) are on a watch list for timing differences and upfront contract payments.

Next steps: staff will continue systems work with IT and Tyler and report back on automation and potential code changes required to enable online renewals.