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Alliance Council adopts 2025 appropriations ordinance after auditor flags budget gaps; Moody’s rating improves
Summary
The Alliance City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 071‑25 adjusting 2025 appropriations after Auditor Matt Knowles outlined negative line items and proposed restorations; he also noted a Moody’s upgrade from A2 to A1 and proposed establishing a Community Improvement Fund.
The Alliance City Council on Nov. 17 unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 071‑25, a measure making adjustments and transfers in the city’s 2025 appropriations to cover several negative line items and account for timing differences in revenue and expenditures. Auditor Matt Knowles delivered the report prompting the action.
Knowles told the council Moody’s had upgraded the city’s long‑term rating from A2 to A1. He reviewed General Fund revenue and expenses and said several line items needed restoration, including the police vehicle repair and maintenance account, which had gone negative after an unusually high number of accidents; he said insurance proceeds related to those claims exceed $55,000 and would cover a portion of costs. Knowles also proposed restoring funds for Senior Center payroll adjustments tied to donor contributions, funding a storm repair at the Jaycee Pavilion that insurance reimbursed, and authorizing early purchase of fire turnout gear to capture an estimated 5–7% savings versus buying in 2026.
The ordinance as adopted also authorizes technical corrections that Knowles said were necessary (the text originally referenced 2024 and was corrected to 2025). Knowles described a proposed Community Improvement Fund to accept donations for local projects and noted council would later need to appropriate any incoming donations.
Council members voted to suspend the three‑reading requirement and to waive Finance Committee review before adopting the ordinance by unanimous roll call. Six council members voted in favor; one member (Councilman Bugara) was excused. The ordinance was recorded as adopted without amendment.
The council did not take action on related items listed on the agenda, including a proposed fair‑housing services contract (Ordinance No. 070‑25) and several plat/replat ordinances listed for second reading. The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
What happens next: Auditor Knowles indicated he will return to council with appropriation exhibits and any specific requests tied to the Community Improvement Fund or capital purchases when exact amounts or donations are known.
