Flat Rock council preliminarily approves $2.94M budget; Carter CPA audit deal approved, $25,000 Playhouse allocation fails

The Village of Flat Rock council gave preliminary approval May 9 to a $2,935,564 budget for fiscal year 2024–25 and took several other administrative actions ahead of a public hearing set for June 13.

Budget Officer Toner presented the proposed budget and said the preliminary approval allows the Village to file the budget and publish a public-hearing notice. The council voted unanimously to give the budget preliminary approval; formal adoption is scheduled after the June public hearing.

Why it matters: the preliminary vote starts the formal public process toward adopting Ordinance No. 126, which will set the Village's fiscal priorities for the coming year and guide spending decisions.

The council also considered several motions and approvals that will affect the Village's financial oversight and near-term operations. Council Member Toner moved to hire Carter CPA to provide the newly required enhanced audit services; Council Member Carpenter seconded, and the contract was approved unanimously. Council documents noted Carter CPA's proposed fee of $19,500 and referenced the firm's experience with municipal clients.

On discretionary spending, Council Member Toner moved to award $25,000 to the Flat Rock Playhouse, citing the theater's role in the community and pandemic-related revenue losses. After discussion the motion failed 4–nay, 2–yay.

Board appointment rules were also debated. Council Member Gregory introduced a draft policy to set term limits and appointment procedures for boards and commissions; that motion failed. Vice Mayor Coletta then proposed alternative language allowing a board member who reached term limits to be reappointed for a one‑year term by council consent; that amendment passed unanimously.

Other administrative matters: Vice Mayor Coletta reported the Village's AT&T phone contract has expired and AT&T recommended switching to Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP); council members requested more information before deciding. The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Votes at a glance

- Preliminary FY 2024–25 budget (motion to approve preliminary budget): carried unanimously (mover: Budget Officer Toner; seconder: Council Member Gregory).
- Carter CPA audit services (motion to approve contract): carried unanimously (mover: Council Member Toner; seconder: Council Member Carpenter).
- Flat Rock Playhouse allocation ($25,000): motion failed (tally: 2 yes, 4 no; mover: Council Member Toner; seconder: Council Member Gregory).
- Term-limit policy (original draft): motion failed (tally: 2 yes, 4 no); alternative allowing one-year reappointment by consent: carried unanimously (mover: Vice Mayor Coletta; seconder: Council Member Carpenter).

Next steps: the Village will publish notice of a budget public hearing for June 13; the preliminary budget and approved audit engagement will move forward for final processing.