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Greensburg reviews 2027 draft budget; council considers Electric Fund transfers to limit levy increase
Summary
Administrator Stacy Barnes reviewed the 2027 draft budget and said the city valuation (8,314,012) makes one mil worth $8,314.01. To remain at the revenue-neutral rate of 62.728 the general fund would need $33,132 in reductions; council discussed reducing reserves, reassigning payroll charges and increasing transfers from the Electric Fund before deciding at a future meeting.
Administrator Stacy Barnes presented the 2027 draft budget framework and walked council through the General Fund, utility funds and special-purpose funds. She told the council the 2027 city valuation is $8,314,012, which makes the value of one mil $8,314.01, and that the draft budget currently sits above the revenue-neutral rate of 62.728. To reach the revenue-neutral rate, Barnes said $33,132 would need to be cut from the draft General Fund.
Council members and staff discussed the reliability of budgeted revenue assumptions, particularly court fines and forfeitures, and whether the Electric Fund could increase transfers to the General Fund to reduce the need to cut services or raise the mil. Barnes noted the Electric Fund is healthier than in prior years and that staff has intentionally held off on transfers in recent years to build reserves. She also recommended reviewing which funds employee payroll is charged to and re-evaluating transfers to reserves.
Mayor Matt Christenson emphasized the need to be confident in revenue estimates or to adjust expenses and suggested the council give itself a ceiling on the mil levy and adjust as needed. Auditor Jeremy Appel clarified that the council may notify the county clerk of an intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and then adopt a lower budget later, but may not increase the mil after the notification cutoff.
Council asked staff to double-check proposed Electric Fund transfers and to return with any proposed revisions at the next meeting. The topic was tabled for further review.
