Cosmopolis presents preliminary 2025 budget; EMS moved to separate fund amid Aberdeen billing uncertainty
November 08, 2024 | Cosmopolis, Grays Harbor County, Washington
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Tara Dunford, the city’s contract CPA, presented the City of Cosmopolis’ preliminary budget for 2025 on Nov. 6, saying it is a "first to read" and a structurally balanced general‑fund budget that maintains six full‑time positions and includes only limited increases.
Dunford told council members the budget reduces several revenue projections from 2024 levels after prior overestimates tied to the mill, utility taxes and business‑and‑occupation (B&O) receipts. She said the city’s general fund balance fell to about 8% of expenditures in 2023 — below typical best‑practice guidance of 15–25% — and is projected to rise to roughly 14% by the end of 2025.
A notable change in the 2025 draft is moving EMS revenues and expenses out of the general fund into a standalone EMS fund. Dunford said EMS charges for service include a utility‑tax component and identified a $230,000 line tied to the city’s contract with Aberdeen; she added $8,000 in direct EMS operating expenses will also sit in the new fund. Because Aberdeen’s contract is expired and billing is reported a year behind, the budget currently includes a placeholder of $470,000 for a payment to Aberdeen; Dunford cautioned that the final amount is unknown and could force a budget amendment next year.
On staffing and compensation, Dunford corrected an item in the packet: the fire chief stipend should read $1,500 per month. She also noted the police vehicle loan will be fully paid in 2025, with the last payment about $6,900, freeing future debt service for other uses or reserves.
Dunford reviewed other funds and liabilities: several older bond and local improvement district (LID) funds need review by bond counsel to determine allowable uses; she identified outstanding interfund loans with roughly $15,000 owed to the LID fund and approximately $62,000 owed to the Mac Franco Park reserve. The stormwater fund shows an unusually high ending balance relative to expense and may be a candidate for capital projects.
Council and residents asked detailed questions about sewer billing, rates and metering. Dunford said state rules require the sewer utility to be self‑supporting, recommended reviewing rates annually and suggested a formal cost‑allocation study if the council wants to reassign administrative costs across funds.
The budget calendar presented calls for two ordinance readings: a second reading scheduled later in November and, barring changes, ordinance adoption at the first December meeting. Dunford asked council to flag corrections and noted the budget book is a working draft.
Next steps: staff will continue to refine numbers, consult bond counsel on old fund restrictions, and return with any amendments tied to Aberdeen’s final billing. The council will consider adoption under the advertised schedule.
Dunford told council members the budget reduces several revenue projections from 2024 levels after prior overestimates tied to the mill, utility taxes and business‑and‑occupation (B&O) receipts. She said the city’s general fund balance fell to about 8% of expenditures in 2023 — below typical best‑practice guidance of 15–25% — and is projected to rise to roughly 14% by the end of 2025.
A notable change in the 2025 draft is moving EMS revenues and expenses out of the general fund into a standalone EMS fund. Dunford said EMS charges for service include a utility‑tax component and identified a $230,000 line tied to the city’s contract with Aberdeen; she added $8,000 in direct EMS operating expenses will also sit in the new fund. Because Aberdeen’s contract is expired and billing is reported a year behind, the budget currently includes a placeholder of $470,000 for a payment to Aberdeen; Dunford cautioned that the final amount is unknown and could force a budget amendment next year.
On staffing and compensation, Dunford corrected an item in the packet: the fire chief stipend should read $1,500 per month. She also noted the police vehicle loan will be fully paid in 2025, with the last payment about $6,900, freeing future debt service for other uses or reserves.
Dunford reviewed other funds and liabilities: several older bond and local improvement district (LID) funds need review by bond counsel to determine allowable uses; she identified outstanding interfund loans with roughly $15,000 owed to the LID fund and approximately $62,000 owed to the Mac Franco Park reserve. The stormwater fund shows an unusually high ending balance relative to expense and may be a candidate for capital projects.
Council and residents asked detailed questions about sewer billing, rates and metering. Dunford said state rules require the sewer utility to be self‑supporting, recommended reviewing rates annually and suggested a formal cost‑allocation study if the council wants to reassign administrative costs across funds.
The budget calendar presented calls for two ordinance readings: a second reading scheduled later in November and, barring changes, ordinance adoption at the first December meeting. Dunford asked council to flag corrections and noted the budget book is a working draft.
Next steps: staff will continue to refine numbers, consult bond counsel on old fund restrictions, and return with any amendments tied to Aberdeen’s final billing. The council will consider adoption under the advertised schedule.
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