Council approves first reading of 2027 appropriations ordinance after budget overview

Finance officer Michelle presented the first reading of Ordinance 14‑31 (the 2027 appropriations ordinance) and walked council through the major budget lines. She reported total budgeted revenues of $52,258,546 and expenses of $54,107,971, a projected use of cash of $1,849,425, and projected cash balances (approximately $37,000,000 at the end of 2026 and $35,500,000 at the end of 2027) above reserve requirements.

Michelle noted recurring revenues of about $44,700,000 and recurring expenditures near $37,500,000; one‑time capital projects and related funding were also reviewed. Council discussed reserve policy (30% general fund) and staffing/health fund reserve issues; Michelle said the employee health fund may need a transfer to meet reserve policy. Council approved the ordinance on first reading and scheduled a second reading and adoption for the September 21 meeting.

Council members praised staff for conservative revenue forecasting and asked staff to continue monitoring projects and expenditures as capital work proceeds.