Blue Ridge council adopts balanced budget and hires consultant to assist with audit and budget work

Blue Ridge’s council voted unanimously to accept the balanced budget presented at prior workshops and to continue working with a newly hired consultant on budget and audit matters.

At the meeting the mayor summarized the budget history, noting the document had been presented on Nov. 12 and met the statutory obligation for public submission. Council introduced Michael Lawler from the consulting firm hired to assist with the budget and upcoming audit; Lawler told the council he was comfortable with the work to date and expects to help fine-tune the city’s financial plan.

Why it matters: The budget approval lets the city move forward administratively while leaving room for amendments if new costs arise (staff and council noted the PTSD benefit required by the state will need to be incorporated into the budget). Council members emphasized they plan to review and amend the document as needed in early 2025.

The council passed the motion to accept the budget by roll-call vote (all present voted yes). During discussion staff and councilors identified several areas of focus for the consultant, including reviewing prior lease/debt-service items and confirming that vehicle and equipment purchases are budgeted to avoid avoidable interest costs.

"I've been very impressed with the job that Joe has done," Michael Lawler said, describing his work with staff and council.

Councilors said they expect to revisit specific line items and make amendments during the calendar year if circumstances require it; staff flagged the need to add the statutorily required PTSD funding as one such forthcoming amendment.

The council’s vote to accept the budget was recorded by roll call with council members voting in the affirmative.