Krebs Utilities Authority reports $42,733.75 net cash increase; $183,152.09 owed to city

Chairman Tommy Ray Walker presided over the Krebs Utilities Authority board meeting on Jan. 21, where Mike Kern led a financial review of the public authority’s first six months of fiscal data.

Kern reported total revenues of $657,933.97 and total operating expenses of $596,200.22 for the six months ending Dec. 21, 2024, yielding a net cash increase of $42,733.75. He told the board the authority had transferred $19,000 to the City of Krebs during the period.

“Notes payable for rural development is $37,728.39. Based on the payments we have been making that will be paid off by the end of the fiscal year,” Kern said, noting that eliminating that liability would add roughly $7,000 back into operating income. He suggested the board could raise the authority’s fiscal position with legislators when pursuing matching grant support.

Chairman Walker and board members sought clarification on the transfers between the authority and the city. Kern confirmed the authority shows a payable listed as “due to the City of Krebs” of $183,152.09, and that the corresponding city financials list the same amount as receivable from the public works authority.

Board member Jayme Busby confirmed that rate changes were implemented in January and that garbage rates had been updated, which Kern said had been the only line appearing low against the budget. Kern described the current year as showing improved progress compared with prior years despite a history of repairs.

The financial review was informational; no formal vote was recorded on the review itself. The board went on to approve routine minutes, claims and a stipend later in the meeting.