Warrenton amends 2024 budget to close audit timing errors; TIF reconciled

The Warrenton Board of Aldermen voted 6-0 Tuesday to approve Bill 27-25, an ordinance amending the city's 2024 budget to resolve timing differences identified during the 2024 audit.

Finance Officer Megan Welder told the board the adjustments include a $15,000 correction in the interchange fund, moving $700 to the water-sewer surplus, and an accounting recognition of a $2,000,000 loan payment that was paid off in the first quarter of 2025. She said the changes are timing issues and will allow the city to comply with GASB standards and complete the audit.

Welder also reviewed April revenue and expenses: the general fund exceeded projected revenue largely because of pool-related receipts (~$27,000) and trash revenue (~$8,000); a tractor sale via Purple Wave generated about $23,000; TIF administration fees from 2023–24 totaled roughly $23,000; and a police equipment grant was about $24,000. Water and sewer revenue exceeded projections by about $119,000, including $89,000 in tap grants from the Veterans Parkway project and $30,000 from sale of assets. Licenses and permits were higher following a building permit issued for construction of a new school.

Welder said ground maintenance and street staffing savings reduced expense lines due to vacant positions. The board read Bill 27-25 and approved it on motion and roll-call. No alderman asked substantive follow-up questions during the vote reading.

Welder said the TIF fund is administered through UMB and that the adjustment will "true things up" to comply with accounting standards.