After a public hearing with no comments, the Westfield City Council voted in March to transfer money within the general fund budget, to cover expenses anticipated as part of Mayor Scott Willis’ budget appropriations that were approved by the council in January.
The transfer represents $2.3 million pulled from certain departments, then reallocated for different needs, all within the general fund. In the case of the parks department, funds were subtracted then added back to cover changes now that parks and recreation has become a separate department.
To accomplish the transfer, the council approved the following appropriation reductions:
- Parks Department — Personal Services: $42,231
- Parks Department — Supplies: $500
- Parks Department – Other services and charges: $368,245
- Parks Department — Capital outlays: $2,000
- Public Works — Personal services: $463,389
- Public Works — Supplies: $29,300
- Public Works — Services and charges: $1,357,560
- Public Works — Capital outlays: $50,000
Appropriations were added in the following departments:
- Facilities and Events — Personal services: $475,667
- Facilities and Events — Supplies: $12,500
- Facilities and Events — Other services and charges: $491,465
- Facilities and Events — Capital outlays: $15,000
- Parks Department — Personal services: $29,953
- Parks Department — Supplies: $17,300
- Parks Department — Other services and charges: $1,234,340
- Parks Department — Capital outlays: $37,000
Councilmember Patrick Tamm said the ordinance means the city is taking accountability for spending.
“The great thing about this is it actually improves transparency and awareness with the public and with council as well with regard to transfers that may be occurring from one department to another department. It’s also compliant with Indiana law, but most importantly, it’s shining more light with what is occurring,” Tamm said.
On Jan. 29, the council approved a $3.2 million budget increase for 2024 proposed by Willis to invest more cash in economic and community development as well as the staff needed to reach Willis’ goals for the city.
