Hillsboro city auditor outlines budget line item related to state grant

Dear members of the City Council,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to provide clarity regarding the upcoming fiscal year's budget, particularly in relation to a notable discrepancy between total expenses and overall budget allocation. 

As we work toward finalizing our budget for the upcoming year, it is important to acknowledge that, while the budget itself will be smaller compared to the previous year, our total expenses will appear significantly higher – by more than $5 million. This increase is primarily due to a state grant we are receiving, which requires us to account for the full value of the grant funds.

The state grant is a critical opportunity for our city to invest in our amphitheater project that will benefit our community. However, as the funds will be allocated in their entirety under the expense line item, the reported expense total will reflect this one-time infusion of grant money, leading to an increase that may seem disproportionate to the overall budget decrease.

We want to assure the public and the City Council that this increase in expenses does not represent a permanent rise in the city's financial obligations. The funds provided by the state are earmarked for this specific project, and they do not affect the core budget allocations. As such, we remain committed to responsible fiscal management while utilizing these funds to enhance our city's infrastructure, services and quality of life.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification on any aspects of the budget. I am more than happy to provide additional information during our upcoming council meeting to ensure full transparency and understanding.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to working together in the best interest of our city.

Sincerely,
Dawson J. Barreras
Hillsboro City Auditor
The City of Hillsboro