MEDICAL LAKE – City revenues were much higher at the end of 2023 than expected.
City Finance Direcotr Koss Ronhalt presented a fourth-quarter budget report for 2023 during the Feb. 6 City Council meeting.
“We’ve concluded the year on a positive note,” Ronhalt said. “Revenues surpassed expectations by $300,000, while operating expenditures remained approximately $1.2 million lower, primarily due to the negotiated Police contract.”
The report highlighted achievements in financial management, with all departments maintaining budget compliance.
Ronhalt underscored the noteworthy figures: “The general fund recorded a 9% increase in revenues and a 15% decrease in expenditures compared to projections.”
The breakdown of departmental budgets revealed consistent adherence to financial plans:
• Non-Departmental: 81%
• Legislative: 85%
• Court: 98%
• Executive: 97%
• Legal: 92%
• Admin. Svcs.: 96%
• Code enforcement: 79%
• Planning: 84%
Special revenue funds, particularly the street fund, demonstrated a
balanced financial performance, aligning closely with initial projections.
The breakdown of streets’ budget allocations showed a meticulous approach to fiscal management:
• Streets 101: Revenue at 100%; Expense at 91%
Streets – Restricted 104: Revenue exceeded projections at 153%; Expense at 97%
• ARPA: Revenue slightly over target at 103%; Expense at 47%
“The unexpected grants via CB contributed significantly to higher revenues,” Ronhalt explained. “
Additionally, interest gains on ARPA funds bolstered revenue streams.”
The Parks and Recreation sector witnessed judicious spending, with only $297,000 incurred against the originally budgeted $1.1 million.
However, revenue fell slightly short due to delayed program launches.
The Water department illustrated a similar fiscal prudence:
• Water 401: Revenue at 96%; Expense at 99%
• Water – Restricted 402: Revenue slightly exceeded expectations at 101%; Expense at 2%
• Solid Waste 407: Revenue exceeded projections by 6%; Expense at 95%
“We anticipate operational adjustments in the upcoming year, particularly in the wastewater sector, where revenue and expenditure patterns have evolved,” Ronhalt said.
The proprietary funds, including wastewater management, displayed resilience amid evolving financial landscapes:
• Wastewater 408: Revenue exceeded projections at 104%
• Wastewater – Restricted 409: Revenue surpassed expectations at 121%
“Budget amendments ensured alignment with increased costs, ensuring fiscal prudence,” Ronhalt told council members.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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