Council receives FY2025 audit showing multimillion-dollar net position gains

The City Council of the City of Bertram heard a presentation of the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025 audit from an external CPA who summarized key financial results and answered council questions. "The city's government-wide net position increased $2,211,972 as a result of the year's operations," the auditor said, and noted business-type activities (water and sewer) increased their net position by about $1,494,325.

The auditor explained that government-wide accounting and governmental-fund accounting differ, and that governmental funds showed a smaller net balance because capital assets are treated differently under the funds basis. He reported total revenues from all sources were about $6,328,981, up roughly $1.56 million from the prior year, largely driven by water impact fees and water income. The auditor also told the council the city transferred $743,000 from the general fund to the water/sewer fund during the period under review.

Council members asked clarifying questions about draft changes in the packet and signaled appreciation for staff cooperation in producing the audit. The auditor noted restricted assets (designated cash) and a modest decline in long-term liabilities. The council did not take final action on audit acceptance in the portion of the transcript provided; the auditor said one change had been circled in the draft packet and that final copies were being provided to council members.