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Council flags low water and sewer receipts, questions police salary accounting
Summary
Temple committee members flagged this month’s lower-than-expected water and sewer receipts and pressed staff to explain why the Police Department shows full budgeted salary spending despite being short several officers last year; staff will review line items before the June 2 meeting.
Temple committee members raised concerns about this month’s water and sewer revenue receipts and asked staff to check accounting entries tied to police salaries.
A council member opened the finance discussion by saying water and sewer revenues were “a little low” for the period, while noting tap revenue remained “well above” projections. Financial-accountant Regina Shaw and staff said they will investigate several line items and report back before budget season so the council is not addressing surprises during the formal budget vote.
Separately, Council members questioned why the Police Department appeared to have spent 100% of its budgeted regular-employee salary line despite being short two to three officers for part of the year. Colleagues recalled that prior approved salary adjustments and lump-sum payments had been recorded that could explain the accounting result; staff agreed to confirm the entries and any necessary corrections.
The committee asked that financial packets be available the Tuesday before the next meeting so council members have time to review them over the weekend. Members agreed the next review will take place at the June 2 meeting.
The discussion was informational; no formal budget amendments or votes were taken at the committee meeting.
