Richmond council approves three budget amendments, refers two appropriation requests to finance committee

The Richmond City Common Council approved three special resolutions amending the city’s 2026 budget during its Jan. 20 meeting, and referred two other appropriation requests to the finance committee for further review.

Tracy McGinnis, the city controller, told council members the finance committee had “discussed and established a process for appropriating funds from the council’s budget for all general ledger accounts in the general fund in excess of $5,000,” and presented three required resolutions to authorize special appropriations. The council moved, seconded and approved Resolution Nos. 1, 2 and 3 by voice vote.

Separately, Matthew Baker, pension secretary for the Richmond Fire Department, requested an appropriation of $15,000 to be placed into line item 3-1-2-0 to cover back pay and mental-health-related disability benefits for three members currently on line-of-duty mental health disability. Baker said the funds would provide back pay and cover treatment through 2026. The council referred that request to the finance committee.

Kenyatta Cox, identified in the meeting as a director, described a separate appropriation request to cover anticipated unemployment insurance costs tied to 12 position eliminations discussed during the budget process. Councilors heard Cox’s explanation and referred that item to the finance committee as well.

No public speakers addressed these items during the meeting. The finance committee’s recommendations will return to the council for formal action if and when the committee forwards them.