Council approves FY2026 carryover adjustments and budget revision

The Elkins City Council voted to approve Resolution 1937, a fiscal-year carryover and general fund adjustment for FY2026. City finance staff told the council that when the budget was presented in March the city projected needing $686,001.83 to balance the budget; since then the city has an additional approximately $531,000 in carryover that can be allocated. The treasurer explained specific allocations being proposed, including money for health insurance changes, part-time court staffing, capital outlay for city hall, and a contingency balance that could move into financial stabilization if not needed. "In March when we presented our budget to the auditor's office, we projected $686,001.83... Well, we have an additional 531,000, to that," the treasurer said.

Councilors asked for clarification about the sources of the added carryover; treasurer and finance staff cited stronger hotel-tax receipts and other revenues tied to recent construction and activity. After discussion, the council took a roll-call vote; Councilors Ross Figueroa, Chenoweth, Lavelin, Severino, Thompson and Woods voted yes (6 yeses) and the resolution passed. The treasurer noted that unused contingency funds could be transferred to the financial stabilization account for future needs.