Aberdeen staff proposes plan to spend down promotion-fund surplus; council authorizes allocations and application process

City of Aberdeen staff told council the promotion fund ended the 2025 calendar year with a surplus and presented a proposed distribution schedule for 2026 that the council authorized.

Jordan (staff) said the fund’s target balance is $145,000–$200,000 and that the estimated year-end balance is "roughly 660,000." Jordan identified $50,000 in existing city commitments and $65,000 committed for Storybook Land, which would leave about $550,000 and, after the target reserve, "approximately 350,000 available for subsequent allocation." Jordan recommended staff be authorized to spend down the balance to meet existing commitments and return with an application process in June or July for the remaining funds.

Council moved, seconded and approved the authorization. Jordan said proof of audit requirements and expenditure authority provided by the earlier budget ordinance would guide disbursement.

Staff plans to publish an application process in June or July and return with allocation recommendations for the funds that remain after committed obligations are paid.

The authorization lets the city meet prior commitments and create a transparent application process for new funding requests later in the year.