Farmington forecast warns general fund could be exhausted by 2029 without changes

City Treasurer Jaime Pohlman told the Farmington City Council on April 6 that a 10‑year financial forecast projects the city’s general fund balance could be depleted by 2029 without policy changes.

Pohlman attributed the shortfall to multiple cost pressures: emergency medical services estimated at about $300,000 annually, assessing cost increases of roughly $30,000, the cost to convert a code enforcement position to full time, funding a 23rd police officer (about $100,000), district court expenses estimated at $30,000, deer management at about $20,000 and continued annual support for the civic theater of about $100,000. Pohlman presented the forecast and asked the council to consider both revenue and expense options to preserve fund balance targets.

City Manager David Murphy highlighted two milestone constraints in the forecast: the projected elimination of OPEB debt in fiscal year 2029–30 and the scheduled end of the current voter‑approved 3‑mill tax levy in fiscal year 2033–34. Administration’s scenario assumptions included a 3.5% annual property tax growth rate; councilmembers asked staff to prepare additional scenarios demonstrating the operational impact of potential positive initiatives and a possible millage renewal.

Council discussion identified a range of revenue and operational options: renewing the expiring millage or creating a special assessment district to preserve millage capacity (raised as a potential option for EMS funding); pursuing revenue enhancements at city assets such as the Warner Mansion after renovations; and improving civic theater revenues, including pursuing a liquor license, to reduce subsidy needs.

No formal decisions were made at the meeting; the council requested staff return with additional forecast scenarios and analyses for further consideration at a future meeting.