Treasurer warns overtime and utilities are stressing Gardner's budget

At the Jan. 5 meeting of the Gardner City council, Treasurer Terry Hillman gave a detailed financial report and warned the board about near-term budget pressures.

Hillman said outreach-coordinator salary spending is tracking higher because some of that role's costs are paid from grant funds, and several salary lines show higher year-to-date percentages. He told the board, "We're 90% of overtime," describing overtime as a persistent pressure and saying staff will shift coverage and expects to seek supplemental funding if spending continues at current rates.

Hillman also called attention to repairs and maintenance expenses that are already running over budget and noted energy and utility bills are roughly 30% higher on a monthly basis compared with the prior year. He told members the center's repairs and maintenance historically totalled about $17,000 and said similar spending this year may require additional appropriations or reallocations.

In fund details, staff reported a small gift deposit ($436.10) and cited a reported revolving-fund balance of $36,880.57 and an actual cash balance of about $57,710, while explaining that outstanding purchase orders reduce the available balance. Hillman walked members through grant-account numbering and how salaries and program costs are tracked under separate account codes.

Board members asked clarifying questions about December utilities and construction timelines; staff said December energy payments were available and that the 30% figure came from a six-month comparison. The council approved the treasurer's report by voice vote; the transcript shows no recorded opposition.

Follow-up: finance staff recommended further monitoring of overtime and utility trends and indicated potential supplemental requests if spending continues above budgeted levels.