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Barstow officials detail $32.6 million cash balance but stress most funds are restricted
Summary
City Treasurer presented a quarter-end report showing $32.64 million in cash and investments and a 25% general-fund reserve of about $6.12 million; council members pressed staff for a one-page public summary and clearer online disclosures of restricted and available funds.
The Barstow City Council on Sept. 15 reviewed its quarterly treasurer's report and a reconciliation from the city manager showing $32,644,981.97 in total cash and investments as of June 30, 2025, but emphasized that most of that money is restricted to specific uses and is not available for general spending.
"The cash in the bank was $12,432,965.28; our LAIF balance was $18,971,531.40; petty cash on hand is $1,950," City Treasurer Mr. Lewis told the council, presenting a detailed breakdown of holdings and interest accrued. He and City Manager Clayton said that, after statutory reserves and restricted funds, the general fund had about $10.5 million available to cover city operations.
Council members pressed for clearer public reporting. Council Member Williams said he had previously seen different figures online and asked staff to produce a concise, one-page summary so residents can quickly understand what is truly available to spend. "Transparency is the number one thing with me," Williams said.
City Manager Clayton and Finance Director Harris explained that although the cash total reflects sums under the city's control, a large share is dedicated to restricted purposes such as Measure I street funds, SB1 and gas-tax accounts, enterprise funds (sewer and solid waste) and grant reimbursements that may appear temporarily negative while awaiting reimbursement. The city manager reported some temporary negative balances tied to reimbursable grants (for example, a Community Development CDBG account showing a small negative awaiting county reimbursement).
Officials outlined the timing of major revenue flows: a bulk of property tax arrives in December, another allocation in April, and sales taxes arrive quarterly. Finance Director Harris said the city's unallocated interest income in the June 30 fund report was $876,816 and that interest earnings are allocated across funds annually based on fund balances.
Council members asked for follow-up details on grant reimbursement timelines, quantification of the fiscal impact of proposed or recent hires, and a clearer posting of Measure Q and other restricted balances on the city website. City Manager Clayton said staff will prepare a more user-friendly presentation and follow up with more precise schedules and project-level detail.
The council did not take policy action on spending; the discussion focused on clarity about cash versus legally restricted fund balances and the schedule for forthcoming revenues and reimbursements.
