Fairmount Heights reports $73,717 first-quarter deficit; council pauses Aspen Street alley funding while seeking outside grants

Miss Walker, the town treasurer, told the council on Oct. 16 that the town’s revenue budget for the fiscal year is $1,156,202.51 and that, as of the end of September, the town had received $141,213.44 in revenues. She said the town’s first-quarter expenses left a deficit of $73,717.25 and walked the council through revenue sources and expense categories.

She listed remaining balances on three vehicle loans (the dump truck will be paid off in February 2025; the trash truck is expected to be paid off in July 2025; a pickup truck balance remains through 2028) and reported that the town received a $100,000 bond to fund building renovations. "As every year, the first quarter, we have a deficit," Miss Walker said, explaining seasonal revenue patterns and urging fiscal prudence.

On capital projects, Miss Walker recommended pausing formal approval of using town highway user funds for the Aspen Street Alley milling project while staff explores outside funding—specifically citing the congressional Community Project Funding program discussed earlier. She noted the town faces competing needs (sidewalk repairs and emergency repairs) and that the alley cleaning would cost about $23,000 if funded from town funds.

Miss Walker also reviewed contractor proposals for bathrooms and front-door work tied to the $100,000 bond and presented three options for a short-term pipe repair downstairs versus a full replacement; she warned that some repairs may not be eligible to be paid from the bond and that insurance would not cover certain items.