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Willow Park reports modest sales‑tax gain but legal bills dent water‑fund reserves
Summary
Quarterly financial presentation showed general‑fund revenue tracking and a $67,000 year‑over‑year sales‑tax increase; city finance staff warned that about $790,000 in legal fees over several years has reduced water‑fund reserves and requires monitoring.
City finance staff on Feb. 24 gave the council an early look at first‑quarter fiscal results and highlighted both positive and concerning elements.
Jake Weber (finance) reported that sales tax receipts were up about $67,000 compared with the prior year and that general‑fund revenues are tracking near expectations. He said the water fund and wastewater fund currently show flat revenues year‑to‑date and that bond and debt payments will affect fund balances later in the fiscal year.
Weber called particular attention to legal costs tied to a multi‑year lawsuit related to the Alito/Fort Worth dispute; he said the city has spent about $790,000 over the past three to four years in legal fees, which has reduced reserves in the water fund. He also noted a $5.5 million remaining cash requirement to finish a package wastewater plant project and that the tourism fund has roughly $593,000 in cash available for restricted uses.
Council members asked follow‑up questions about cost drivers and the potential duration of legal spending; Weber recommended monitoring reserves and brought forward line‑item details for further review.
What happens next: staff will continue monthly reporting and bring budget items or amendments to council if legal costs or project spending necessitate adjustments.
