The Colusa City Council last week adopted a mid-year budget that had few surprises.
Finance Director Ishrat Aziz-Khan said she budgeted 2022-23 General Fund expenditures at $4.86 million, while budgeted revenues are slightly lower at $4.72 million.
The $139,646 deficit will likely work itself out as Aziz-Khan said she budgeted reserves fairly conservatively.
General Fund expenses are largely services related to the Police Department, at $1.68 million; Fire Department, $903,243; Public Works, $828,116; Administrative Services, $816,684; Community Development, $523,102; and Recreation, $135,991.
While employee costs have increased, Aziz-Khan said she believes the city is better off by adding highly qualified staff, who are poised to bring in additional revenue.
“Skilled people help bring more money to the city,” she said. “In this, the city is going in the right direction.”
Tax revenue largely comes from taxes at $3.61 million; Service Charges, $294,275; Franchise Fees, $282,942; Licenses and Permits; $276,800, and other revenues.
Colusa also expects its 2023 ending fund balance for the cannabis fund to be $1.47 million; $95,710 in the B1 (gas tax) fund; $43,410 in the Pools/Trees/Parks Improvement District funds; $163,863 in the State Law Enforcement Grant Fund; $144,137 in the Strike Team Fund; and $1.1 million remaining in the American Rescue Plan Act Fund.
Aziz Khan said ARPA funds must be assigned to projects by 2024 and spent by 2026.
The City Council on Feb. 21 rejected an immediate request to use $157,464 to cover losses related to four city-sponsored events.
“I will not approve this budget with that proposal in here,” said Mayor Greg Ponciano. “This was not approved by council.”