Finance director proposes new reserve accounts and supplemental appropriations; council to consider on Monday

Finance staff presented a package of supplemental appropriations and reserve-account setups to Huber Heights council on March 16. Jim said the city would expand the existing debt-management and budget-stabilization reserve policy beyond the General Fund to three additional funds, each set at 5% of the previous years expenses: $998,005.48 for the General Fund, $180,231 for the Local Street Operating Fund, $357,001.96 for the Water Fund, and $258,763 for the Sewer Fund.

Jim also sought appropriations for software and operational costs: $63,000 for RightStuff timekeeping, $145,800 for SSI accounting/budgeting software (a recurring annual fee), and $36,160 estimated to cover start-up costs for a new fingerprinting service launched March 1. He asked for a $40,000 increase to the cleaning contract to cover additional facilities, $113,740 for retirement payouts to two fire department employees, and an extra $30,000 to complete the CloudPark land purchase after receiving grant notice. Jim identified a $60,000 request for an emergency motor replacement for fire engine 25; John said the motor failure was catastrophic and estimated the motor cost at about $54,000, and that repair would extend the vehicles usable life by roughly 10 years.

On federal-equity funds, Jim asked to appropriate an $80,096.84 anticipated equity-sharing amount; part of those funds will cover the citys Bearcat share of $25,366 annually over five years. Council asked clarifying questions about which software costs are recurring and about outreach for the fingerprinting service; staff said the accounting and timekeeping items are annual subscriptions and that the service will be promoted via newsletter, social media and online scheduling. Council directed staff to place the appropriations on Mondays agenda for formal approval so bills may be paid and work may proceed.