City manager says police are fully staffed; staff explains accruals behind revenue variances

City Manager Kimberly Greer delivered the monthly manager's report for September, highlighted economic-development wins and cultural programming, introduced new Finance Director Harpreet Hora, and answered detailed questions about police staffing and city revenue timing.

On staffing, the manager said the five budgeted positions added in fiscal year 2025 have been filled and that the police department is "currently fully staffed," while noting that several recently authorized recruitment/cadet positions are at conditional offer stage pending background checks. Council members pressed on whether the FY26 budget funded cadet or fully sworn positions; staff clarified the FY26 approach funds recruitment/cadet positions using salary savings rather than immediately budgeting full salaries and benefits.

On revenues, Greer explained modified-accrual accounting: certain large lines such as insurance-premium tax and the local-option sales tax (LOST) are received after the fiscal year-end and are accrued back into the closing period, which affects preliminary monthly financials. She said insurance-premium tax came in over $1 million higher than budgeted for FY25 and that finalized September financials will reflect earned revenues after a 60-day accrual period. Staff also described the city's multimillion-dollar payments to the regional 911 provider (CHATCOM) and said they would review an audit line-item that appeared inconsistent with staff records.

Council asked for follow-up charts breaking down sworn vs. civilian counts and for the police chief to appear at a future meeting for further discussion.