Finance director outlines $2.4 million variance in first 2026 budget amendment

Finance Director Kristen Reed presented the first reading of Ordinance No. 2841, a 2026 budget amendment that reconciles estimated and actual beginning fund balances. Reed said the difference between estimates and actuals was almost $2,400,000, largely from projects that were estimated to finish but did not; the amendment increases revenue by about $1,400,000 (mostly grants and rollovers) and increases expenses by about $2,600,000, resulting in an increase to the ending fund balance of just over $1,000,000.

Reed also pointed out personnel adjustments included in the amendment: increasing the media services technician position from 0.5 FTE to 1.1 FTE and adding a temporary 0.5 FTE administrative specialist in finance while the city implements its new financial software. The ordinance received its first reading; council had no questions at first reading and will consider it again at second reading.