Aberdeen finance director reports revenues ahead of expenditures through March; water and system‑development fees rising

At the April 28 meeting, Finance Director Butch Watson presented the town’s fund summaries through March 31, 2025 and described multi‑fund performance and cash positions.

Watson reported general‑fund revenues at roughly 89.44% of the current $14.83 million budget through the end of March, while expenditures stood at about 71.93% of budget, leaving the fund in a positive position year to date. He said personal property tax collections were slightly above budget while motor‑vehicle tax and sales‑tax receipts were below budget earlier in the year but showing steady improvement as the year progresses.

In the water and sewer fund, Watson said collections were improving and that system‑development fees had risen substantially year‑to‑date (well above prior projections), attributing much of the increase to new construction. Watson also outlined capital project fund totals and a deposits/investments breakdown showing the town's total cash position up year‑over‑year.

On the power‑bill fund, Watson provided a short forecast: beginning‑of‑year fund balance plus anticipated receipts and expected expenditures suggest the fund balance will increase if current revenues continue, giving the town flexibility for time‑sensitive paving or other projects.

What the numbers mean: the town’s revenues on a nine‑month basis exceed what has been expended, giving a positive operating spread. Staff cautioned that some renewal figures (property/liability insurance, workers’ compensation) were still pending and that sales‑tax timing (collections lag) affects month‑to‑month volatility.

Follow up: Watson said more detailed budget materials will be provided at the May work session and the public hearing on the budget scheduled for late May.