Council asked to set 5% reserves and approve several supplemental appropriations

Finance official Jim presented the first set of budget changes for the year and asked council to authorize several supplemental appropriations and reserve accounts. Jim said the council's reserve policy allows setting aside 5% of the previous year's expenses and proposed expanding that approach beyond the general fund to three other operating funds: $998,005.48 for the general fund; $180,231 for the local street operating fund; $357,001.96 for the water fund; and $258,763 for the sewer fund. "These are just gonna be reserve funds, so there is right now no expenses designated for those accounts," Jim told council.

Jim also listed program and operational costs that need appropriation: $63,000 for Right Stuff timekeeping software; $145,800 for SSI accounting software (an annual/subscription expense, not a one‑time cost); $36,160 estimated cost for the new fingerprinting service that began March 1; a $40,000 increase to the cleaning contract; $113,740 for retirement payouts to two fire department employees; $30,000 to finish the Cloud Park land purchase (with a grant expected); a $60,000 motor replacement for Fire Engine 25 after a catastrophic engine failure; and an $80,096.84 federal equity sharing appropriation (wash) to account for incoming federal equity dollars. Jim said some software implementation fees are being amortized over five years. Council asked clarifying questions about recurring software costs and the fingerprinting outreach plan; staff indicated outreach via the city newsletter and social media and that walk‑ins and online scheduling are available.