Council adopts year‑end budget adjustments, approves vac truck and park carryovers

The Highland City Council on June 16 adopted an ordinance amending the city’s fiscal year 2025–26 budget to recognize a series of year‑end adjustments and carryovers for capital projects and operating variances.

Finance Director David Mortonson told the council the midyear changes prevent audit findings when department expenditures exceed original appropriations and account for multi‑year projects that crossed fiscal years. Key items included a $620,000 vac truck for storm sewer maintenance (with $140,000 previously budgeted), roughly $200,000 in additional funding for the Mitchell Hollow Trail, about $330,000 to finish Highland Family Park phase two, and a $27,000 allotment for the Twin Bridges entryway. Mortonson also noted an unbudgeted server upgrade and other smaller adjustments across funds.

Council members pressed staff on timing and tradeoffs. Council Member Campbell asked whether buying the vac truck will reduce future contract costs; staff and council agreed it will produce operating savings over a multiyear payoff. Council Member Rice sought detail on library donations and bookkeeping; Mortonson explained how donations and interfund transfers had been recorded.

Councilmember Courtney moved adoption of the ordinance amending the fiscal year 2025–26 budget as presented; Council Member Rodella seconded. The motion passed 5–0.

The ordinance also includes one‑time adjustments funded from prior‑year fund balance for select capital and security projects; staff said the changes leave the city’s reserve ratio within the state’s allowed range and that items requiring additional contracting will be returned to council as necessary.

What happens next: staff will implement the adjustments and track carryovers into the FY2026–27 workplan; council directed staff to supply more granular cost information on a few items if requested.