Finance officer reports utility revenue lag, council warned on fund transfers

Pamela, who presented the financial statements to the Bowie City Council, told members the utility funds are showing revenue at roughly 46% for the fiscal period discussed and that electric revenue is behind projections (about 43.8% of budgeted revenue) while expenditures run higher. She said the general fund remains relatively healthy due to property tax collections, but sales tax receipts were behind last year and the city could be unable to transfer the usual $1.35 million from utilities to the general fund without adjustments.

Pamela and City Manager Bert said staff plan to begin budget work and requested department heads submit budget requests. Pamela noted the city carries a significant fund balance (she cited roughly $3,000,000) and reminded council that tapping reserves is an option but would affect the city’s financial metrics and bond-rating considerations. She also explained that utility billing is on an accrual basis, which can create timing lags in revenue recognition.

Why it matters: utilities are a major revenue source for Bowie and shortfalls can cascade into general-fund constraints; the council directed staff to monitor revenues closely and scheduled budget planning ahead of the next fiscal cycle.