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Wheeler officials flag narrowing general fund and invite residents to join budget committee
Summary
Council discussed November financials showing November expenses exceeded revenues and warned the general fund reserve could be depleted within a few years if current trends continue; staff invited residents to apply for the budget committee to help address choices.
Staff read the November finance staffing report to the council: the city recorded $193,750.87 in revenue and $244,769.87 in expenses through all funds for November. Staff warned that if current spending trends continue and no additional revenue streams are adopted, the general fund reserve could be diminished within three years.
Councilors emphasized the seriousness of the budget shortfall and asked for community participation on the budget committee. Staff said the city will open applications in February and encouraged residents to attend the seven budget‑committee meetings to review options and priorities. Council noted repeated audit findings (separation of duties due to small staff and auditors drafting financial statements) and moved to submit the audit findings and action plan to the Secretary of State as required.
Next steps: staff to advertise for budget committee applicants, provide additional financial detail in a workshop or meeting, and return recommendations for revenue and expense changes for council consideration.
