Council approves schedule adjustments, one‑time study funds and an FTE transfer

Committee members agreed to finalize several pinned budget items before the evening closing session. The main actions were: approval of a one‑time $300,000 allocation for an economic study (line item 237), agreement to transfer one FTE with approximately $130,000 to the Office of Sustainability (with schedule‑B documentation), and the decision to handle several street‑fund allocations (lines 26, 29 and Pro Tem Young’s line) through closing‑resolution commitments rather than changing special‑revenue fund totals.

Councilmember Scott Benson reported an administration commitment to move an identified specialist to the Office of Sustainability to manage related programs; budget staff said they would reflect that transfer on Schedule B and in the closing resolution so paperwork and appropriations match. The committee also asked that the $300,000 study be treated as one‑time and, if needed, be placed in a non‑lapsing fund to prevent losing buying power if the study extends beyond FY27.

Budget staff explained that the street fund is primarily funded through state Act 51 gas and weight taxes and that a new neighborhood‑roads fund tied to marijuana wholesale taxes remains uncertain; the administration said it would not assume those state funds in FY27 budget planning and would return with budget amendments if and when revenues materialize.

Members asked the administration to memorialize these commitments in the closing resolution and to deliver updated schedules prior to reconvening.