Lacey shifts spending in its fourth-quarter city budget

The Lacey City Council approved budget amendments for the last quarter of 2022 at its meeting yesterday.

Finance Director Troy Woo said the amendment does not require extra money but a reallocation of funds on certain projects due to prioritization, workload issues, and supply chain issues.

“We just had so many significant changes to the budget,” said Woo. “We want to maintain the integrity of the budget, but I hope this will be the last amendment for the year.”

Woo said the budget amendment covers general fund; Regional Athletic Complex; city street and transportation; general obligation bonds; building improvement; capital equipment; parks and open space; water, wastewater, and stormwater capital; and equipment rental funds.

Some of the significant amendments to the city’s general fund include hiring additional staff, specifically a human resources analyst, civil transportation engineer, temporary staff in the Parks Maintenance Department, and a journey-level maintenance technician in the Facilities Maintenance Department.

The current balance of the General Obligation Bond Fund, amounting to $314,990, will be transferred to the Building Improvement Fund to help fund the design and land acquisition costs of the new Police Station.

An amendment transferring $522,720 from the overlay appropriations to sidewalk repair was also approved.

The city’s vehicle order budget would also be increased due to the worldwide supply chain issue, said Woo. He added that vendors are canceling some orders, which is why staff resubmitted some orders at a higher price.