Roswell approves FY2026 mid‑year budget amendment after debate over dredging and staffing

Roswell’s committee approved a FY2026 mid‑year budget amendment that staff said maintains public safety service levels, restores essential operations, and addresses infrastructure and technology needs while keeping the overall budget balanced.

Adam Novotny, director of Finance, told the committee the amendment recognizes additional revenue in several categories while reallocating funds for public safety, parks and facility needs. "Overall our budget impact based upon the funding usages outlined previously and the funding sources identified, we have a net impact of $0 overall," Novotny said. The amendment covers items that include police staffing stabilization, fire inclement‑weather staffing, school‑zone flasher updates, ADA improvements, Old Mill Park summer operations and Microsoft Office 365 licensing paid from the IT fund balance.

During discussion, councilmembers pressed for clarity on line‑item adjustments and contingency balances. Councilmember Christine Hall questioned whether portions of the $1.3 million in adjustments were journal entries rather than new recurring expenses. Novotny said some changes use fund balance and internal account reclassifications and that staff would provide supplemental detail. Councilmembers also raised the status of dredging for Chickering and whether contingency funds were available; staff said contingency usage raises risk if major unplanned facilities needs arise later in the year.

Councilmember Aaron Bromley called attention to a possible conflict of interest and said Councilmember Hall should recuse herself from issues directly benefiting her neighborhood. Hall said she would recuse herself from the vote; City Attorney Kennelly Pine advised that the ethics ordinance prohibits participation where a direct pecuniary interest exists and noted a difference between discussion and voting on specific items. Hall then formally excused herself from the vote.

Councilmember Beeson moved the amendment; Councilmember Bromley seconded. After discussion, the committee approved the amendment on a 6–1 vote. The record shows the measure passed and staff will implement the line‑item changes and return further budget detail as requested by councilors.

Next steps: staff to provide a detailed reconciliation of contingency balances and account reclassifications, finalize any required journal entries, and, where applicable, present dredging funding requests or other large items for council review during FY2027 budget planning.