Colfax approves budget for next 2 fiscal years

The Colfax City Council approved the proposed two-year budget during its June 12 meeting. According to the staff report, revenues are projected to be $2.64 million for fiscal year 2024-25 and $2.68 million for 25-26, with the highest revenue sources being sales and use taxes (51 percent) and property taxes (18 percent). Expenditures are projected at $2.5 million for the first budget year and $2.6 million for the second. Colfax City Manager Ron Walker advised amendments made to the budget following the May 29 workshop were increasing the event-support fund from $20,000 to $30,000, increased expenditures by $2,500 for materials and supplies to allow public works staff to revamp the downtown dining area and adding a $25,000 capital project for potential downtown dining improvements. Additionally, Walker advised it was recommended the $50,000 earmarked for fire station mold remediation be expensed to the Fire Construction Mitigation fund to allow the funds to be later used toward the Home Hardening Grant project. According to the staff report, projected projects for the two-year period are forecast at $8.9 million, with 84 percent ($8 million) funded by grants. The projects include the Wastewater Treatment Improvements project (100 percent grant funded), Road Rehab Improvements (89 percent grant funded) and the Shady Glen sewer consolidation planning application that will be funded upon approval. "As in previous years, we are challenged with minimal resources to provide solid local government services," the end of the budget memo signed by Walker notes. "City council and staff must continue to focus on finding and securing new or improved sources of revenue and be good stewards of taxpayers' monies. The continued commitment to business recruitment and community promotion will align with goals set by the council." Councilmember Caroline McCully said the $25,000 capital project was for downtown improvements in general, not specifically for dining, and requested that change be noted. Councilmember Larry Hillberg noted he would like to see the event-support fund be divided 60/40 between events and non-profit organizations, with $18,000 going toward events and $12,000 to nonprofits. The council approved the proposed two-year budget in a unanimous vote.