Monterey Budget Amendments Passed To Balance Some $200 K Of Extra Costs

Monterey’s fiscal year-end budget amendments came in more expensive than expected this year.

Mayor Nathan Walker said costs came in some $230,000 over budget. Walker said he believes a lot of it has to do with fuel costs.

“There’s no real concern,” Walker said. “We were in pretty good shape, and we were able to absorb that pretty well. I’m not saying it didn’t hurt, but we were able to absorb it. I think were continuing to be in pretty good shape.”

Walker said the Streets Department alone came in over $150,000. Walker said rising chemical costs for water treatment, police department fuel use and over-time pay also played a role.

“The budget amendments are what we have to do for our fiscal year 21-22 budget which is getting ready to end,” Walker said. “Those are overages that we didn’t have accounted for in our previous budget.”

Fiscal year-end budget amendments are a normal practice to balance a spending plan. Walker said the price was paid out of the town’s general fund and water fund.

“This year it was a little bit more, but I think that’s what pretty much all cities and counties are seeing due to the unexpected rise of services,” Walker said.