Clearwater’s finances are in good shape.
That was the conclusion of the 2016 audit presented by audit manager Caroline Stutsman of Bergan KDV during Monday’s Clearwater City Council meeting.
Stustman said the city’s general fund is still strong despite fund transfers of more than $700,000. Although revenues were down about seven percent from 2015, disbursements were also down.
In January, the council voted to transfer $500,000 from general fund reserves to the sewer enterprise fund to eliminate the need to increase utility rates and build up the fund.
That transfer lowered the general fund balance significantly, but not to the point where the city was in financial trouble. At the end of 2015, the general fund sat at about $1.48 million. That number was just over $744,000 for the 2016 audit.
“The fund balance is half of what it was last year at end of year,” said Stutsman
“But it represents just over 10 months of spending based on 2015 spending levels. You’re still in compliance.”
Stutsman said the sewer fund is now strong because of the transfer, but warned the council that a one-time transfer wouldn’t solve the long-term issue of not enough revenue to cover operations, debt service and capital improvements.
“It’s great because it helps with the current need,” she said. “But have consideration for the future. You may see the fund dwindle year to year. So continue to monitor that.”
Ferry Sign
The council accepted the donation of a sign from the Clearwater Area Historical Society. The wood sign will be 6’6” high and 8 feet wide with photos showing scenes of the historical ferry crossing of the Mississippi River. It will be placed at the ferry landing.
Humane Society
The council approved an agreement with the Tri-County Humane Society to house stray animals at its location in St. Cloud.
Stray animals will be held a minimum of five days and seized animals will be held for up to 10 working days.
Citizens who claim their animal will be charged a holding fee of $10 per day plus any related service costs.
Other Business
In other action the council:
• Approved a step wage increase for James Kirchenbauer of the maintenance department to $20.69 per hour effective Feb. 10;
• Approved a temporary liquor license for the Clearwater Lions for Heritage Days (Aug. 4-5) and for St. Luke’s Fall festival on Aug. 27;
• Approved a temporary gambling permit for St. Luke’s Catholic Church for its fall festival Aug. 27;
• Approved the hiring of temporary maintenance personnel for seasonal lawn services;
• Approved a special event permit and waived the $25 fee for the Clearwater Legion Riders for its annual Homeless Vets Run Aug. 26 at the Legion.
