Council hears FY2025 year‑end general fund results and proposed CIP allocations including $811,730 for Wharf infrastructure

CFO Jesse Moyers presented a year‑end overview of FY2025 finances to Staunton City Council on Jan. 8, reporting an unassigned general fund balance of a little more than $5.3 million and a broader safety‑net balance of about $13.2 million (16.5 percent of the budget). Key positive variances included property tax receipts (real estate and personal property), business license revenue and a one‑time sale of a crossing property.

Moyers said roughly $3.6 million of the fund balance carryover is proposed for FY26 CIP allocations. Significant proposed allocations include: establishing a $200,000 reserve for Fire Station No. 1, a $150,000 reserve toward a future police department site, increases to sidewalk and public‑works equipment reserves, a $100,000 transfer to address a shortfall in the police CAD project, and $811,730 proposed for infrastructure repairs related to Wharf/tunnel work.

Moyers noted appropriation of these funds will occur through budget amendment number two, scheduled for introduction in February and subject to a public hearing and later adoption. Councilors discussed fiscal timing—Moyers cautioned FY26 is not an assessment year and revenues and carryover should be managed conservatively.

No final appropriations were made during the meeting; staff will return with formal budget amendment language and the required public hearing.