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Council approves finance-committee cuts to 2026 special appropriations, with departments to request funds later
Summary
The Richmond Common Council on Feb. 2 approved finance-committee amendments to Resolution 4-20-26 that reduce several blanket appropriations for 2026 and require departments to return for additional funds as needed, a step council members said is intended to increase oversight after prior questioned spending.
The Richmond Common Council voted Feb. 2 to approve finance-committee amendments to Resolution 4-20-26, a special-appropriation measure that adjusts the city’s 2026 budget.
Jerry Purcell, who presented the committee’s recommendations, said the changes trim a series of blanket purchases and appropriations — including emergency demolition and several Board of Works vendor line items — to limit large, up-front allowances. "Number 1 would be to take code enforcement ... and drop that to $5,000," Purcell said while outlining the motion.
City Controller Tracy McGinnis told the council the reductions are temporary and departments will still receive needed funds after making specific requests. "These are just merely reductions. It's not that their apartments are not gonna get the money," McGinnis said, adding departments can return later with more targeted requests.
Council members pressed for clarity on operational impacts, including whether the changes would delay payments to vendors. McGinnis and Purcell said the intent is oversight, not withholding funds; Purcell noted the committee will allow emergency purchases and can add funds later if needed.
After discussion, the council moved, seconded and approved the amendment by voice vote. The council president declared the motion carried.
The council’s action reduces several line items now and keeps unspent funds available for re-appropriation midyear, according to committee members. Purcell said the approach is designed to restore public trust in how the city spends taxpayer dollars by requiring more deliberate, item-by-item approvals rather than large blanket POs.
The council will revisit departmental requests in subsequent meetings if additional appropriations are needed.
