Dothan City staff propose $291 million budget for 2027, large transfer from utility fund

Ramona, the city finance director, opened the commission’s work session presentation with the topline figure: "The total budget for 2027 is 291,000,000." She told commissioners that projected 2027 revenues include about $126.9 million in the general fund and roughly $156.3 million in the utility fund, with the utility fund scheduled to transfer $32.6 million to the general fund to balance the budget.

City manager (S2) framed the budget cycle as biennial, noting the work to return to two-year budgets so incoming commissions have a full two-year plan: "last year, we did a 1 year budget, to get it more on the cycle..." Commissioners questioned how stable sales-tax revenue is and whether transfers would be sustainable if growth stalls. Staff said the budget is conservative and that transfers and reserves protect the city’s fiscal position while allowing capital and program investments.