Mandeville council amends, adopts fund-balance ordinance after 4–1 vote

The Mandeville City Council voted June 25 to amend and adopt Ordinance 26-16, a measure establishing an unassigned general fund balance policy for the city. The amendment added language clarifying that the policy "shall not be construed to prohibit emergency expenditures authorized by state law, including La. R.S. 39:1314 or La. R.S. 29:737," and requires a plan to restore balances to the minimum level within a reasonable period after any such action.

Council Chair Jason Zuckerman introduced the amendment; Councilwoman Cynthia Strong-Thompson seconded it. The amendment passed 4–1, with Councilman Scott Discon recorded as the sole vote against the change. The amended ordinance was then adopted by a 4–1 vote (Discon against).

The ordinance sets an absolute minimum projected general fund balance to guide annual budgeting and to signal targets for fiscal reserves. Supporters said the change ensures the city retains flexibility to respond to declared emergencies while maintaining a plan to rebuild reserves. The transcript records the statutory exemptions cited verbatim as La. R.S. 39:1314 and La. R.S. 29:737.

A note in the meeting record shows an attendance inconsistency: meeting minutes state the meeting was "called to order by Council Chair Zuckerman," while the roll call lists "Absent: Jason Zuckerman." The minutes do not resolve that discrepancy; the council record retains the attendance language as presented at the meeting.

Next steps: the amended Ordinance 26-16 was adopted on June 25 and will be included in the city's budget guidance for fiscal year 2026–2027.