Treasurer reports budget changes, invests ARPA interest and seeks waiver for FY26/27 spending limits

Amy, the county treasurer, reported to the fiscal court on May 13 that revenue collections for payroll and insurance premium taxes have met budget expectations and presented multiple budget-related items for court consideration.

She said the Department for Local Government has approved a second reading of an amendment that increases the budget by $3.3 million, bringing the total to $73.9 million; the increase reflects additional capital and reimburseable work including a planned fire truck purchase (about $885,000) anticipated to arrive in the next fiscal year and increased Judicial Center work that AOC will reimburse. Amy also presented budget transfers across general, road, jail and fire funds, noting these transfers move expenses between accounts and do not change the overall budget total.

On investments, Amy recommended reinvesting accumulated ARPA interest into short-term certificates of deposit: $770,000 for three months plus another maturing CD to be rolled for three months, to improve investment earnings. She recorded interest to date of about $630,000 against a budgeted $596,000 — a favorable variance.

Amy also requested a waiver to the Department for Local Government for the 65% limitation on expenditures and encumbrances for fiscal year 2027 to allow payment scheduling on several capital projects (Forks of the Elkhorn, Judicial Center restoration, Farmers Lane Bridge, Farmdale sanitation, Lakeview Park Phase 1, Buena Vista park), an increase in insurance premium encumbrance to 50% for liability/workers compensation, and to account for vehicles ordered this fiscal year that will arrive next year.

The court recorded motions and approved the treasurer’s report, budget transfers and motions to open the specified CDs. The court also approved submitting the waiver request to the Department for Local Government.

What happens next: Treasurer will file required documentation with the Department for Local Government, manage CD maturities per court authorization, and monitor reimbursements (AOC/FEMA) tied to courthouse work.