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Atwater council adopts midyear budget adjustments, adds accountant; resolution passes 3-1
Summary
The council voted 3–1 to adopt Resolution No. 35192, approving midyear revenue and expense adjustments for FY 2024–25 that include adding an accountant position and program appropriations; council and public raised questions about solar at well sites and requests for a department-by-department budget study session.
The Atwater City Council adopted a midyear budget amendment (Resolution No. 35192) updating revenue and expense estimates for fiscal year 2024–25 after a staff presentation and public comment.
The finance director told the council the midyear review covers the six-month period ending Dec. 31, 2024, and recommended adjustments based on updated revenue estimates and departmental reviews. Staff cited a downward revision to revenues tied to the public safety transaction and use tax forecast and gas tax receipts, offset in part by positive revisions to property tax and vehicle license fee estimates. The recommended amendments included program appropriations (including HOME grant funds) and the addition of one accountant position; exhibits provided to council showed the net impacts, revised fund balances and an updated salary schedule.
During discussion, councilmembers asked whether the city had explored installing solar at water well sites to offset rising PG&E costs. The finance director said the city could consider solar but noted an upfront cost and that it would require further analysis. Public commenter Linda Dash urged the council to hold a department-by-department budget study session before adding permanent positions and questioned prior spending decisions.
Motion and vote: Councilmember Kale moved to adopt Resolution No. 35192; the motion passed with Kale and Ambre voting yes, Rochester voting no, and Mayor Mike Nelson voting yes (3–1). Earlier routine consent calendar items and a final parcel map for a business park were also approved (see "Votes at a glance").
Why it matters: the midyear amendments adjust the city's fiscal plan for revised revenue projections and add a funded accountant to the finance department; council members signaled concern about long-term sustainability and asked staff to explore cost-offset options such as solar.
Votes at a glance: - Consent calendar: approved by voice vote (unanimous). - Parcel map 22-09-00 and associated subdivision improvement agreement: approved by unanimous motion. - Resolution No. 35192 (midyear budget amendments): adopted 3–1 (Kale yes, Ambre yes, Rochester no, Nelson yes).
