Bolivar council accepts clean audit, approves funding note for fire pumper and several routine items

The Bolivar City Council on April 13 accepted the city’s 2024–25 audit, authorized financing tied to a CDBG grant for a new fire pumper truck and approved several routine administrative actions and grant awards.

Auditor Joe told the council the city received an unqualified (clean) opinion and that the city’s governmental funds held roughly $1.7 million in cash and about $280,000 in investments at June 30. He noted that general fund revenues were shown at about $8 million with expenses near $10.6 million in the audit presentation, and that the apparent deficit reflected one‑time capital projects (not ongoing operating shortfalls). He also reported no internal control findings.

On new business, the council approved Resolution 2026004 to authorize staff to obtain a capital outlay note to cover the city’s portion of equipment and outfitting associated with a CDBG‑funded pumper truck for the fire department. According to the discussion, the truck’s total cost is about $535,000, the CDBG grant covers roughly $425,000, and the city’s matching/outfitting portion is roughly $185,000; staff will return with an interest rate proposal at a future meeting.

The council also approved a mayoral appointment to the county board of equalization (reappointing Stacy Lifford for a two‑year term), authorized the sale or disposal of dated surplus equipment from multiple departments (including trucks and mowers), and awarded CDBG playground installation bids for First Baptist Church (recommended award approximately $96,436) and Michelle’s Magical Treasures (base bid $110,211.38). Council members noted the playground projects are 100 percent grant funded.

What’s next: Staff will present financing terms for the capital outlay note at the next council meeting; auditors remain available to answer follow‑up questions on the financial report.