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Finance director: 2026 budget not yet started; aims for late‑October deliverable
Summary
Finance Director Mr. Wy told the finance committee he has not yet begun the 2026 budget, said limited 2025 amendments will roll into the 2026 plan, and estimated the budget will be ready by the end of October with reconciled statements available before the Oct. 7 council meeting.
Finance Director Mr. Wy told the Bogalusa Finance Committee on Sept. 24 that he had not yet started the city’s 2026 budget and expects to finish work by the end of October. “As of today, I have not actually started on the 26 budget. We just closed out the five,” he said, adding that several 2025 amendments will be incorporated into the 2026 proposal.
Mr. Wy said the budget team will present a three‑column worksheet showing last year’s figures, proposed amendments and the projected 2026 columns. He said department head meetings will be scheduled to prioritize needs and distinguish “necessities” from wish lists: “It’s not a wish list. It’s more of a necessities,” he said.
The finance director said revenue and expense accounting for the current month was up to date and that reconciled bank statements should be available in time for the Oct. 7 council meeting; the financial reports will be accurate as of Sept. 30. He told the committee the aim is to give council members a week’s lead time to review statements before that meeting.
Committee members and staff also discussed outstanding payroll tax questions. On the 941 payroll tax matter, staff said the filings for 2025 are current but that penalties and interest remain on earlier periods. The meeting record shows the finance office contacted the IRS in July and was told it typically takes about three months to assign an agent to negotiate penalties and interest.
Why it matters: the timeline and reconciliation schedule will determine what items—personnel changes, equipment purchases and cemetery maintenance requests—can fit into the 2026 budget or must be deferred to 2027. The committee did not take a formal vote; the finance director reported next steps and timing for department meetings and the revised worksheets.
Next steps: Mr. Wy said he will meet with department heads and bring the three‑column worksheets and reconciled statements to the finance committee and the Oct. 7 council meeting.
