FISHER: CITY OF BRENHAM LOSES OVER $1M IN REVENUE DUE TO COVID-19
The City of Brenham has experienced significant revenue loss in the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year due to COVID-19.
City Manager James Fisher presented the City Council at its meeting today (Thursday) with an update on the budget for the current fiscal year stating that, due to shutdowns of both Texas and Brenham, the city has lost an estimated $1,058,656 in revenue.
Fisher said that the city made adjustments to the budget as soon as the shutdown started.
Fisher also assured that the City of Brenham is still in good shape financially for the current fiscal year, mentioning that he has a contingency item in the budget with $160,000 set aside in this year’s planned budget in case money was needed elsewhere.
Fisher said that new construction and other projects are helping to close the gap in the budgeted amount and the loss of revenue.
As Brenham began opening back up after the statewide stay-at-home order was lifted, expenses increased due to the reopening of the library, parks, and Blue Bell Aquatic Center, along with planning events such as the Movies in the Park and community activities. Fisher said, however, that while expenses increased, revenue continued to grow, closing the gap between the actual revenue and the budgeted amount.
Fisher said that the city has shifted its focus to planning the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, and a meeting will be held in July to go over the city’s plans.
Fisher stated that there is a contingency plan in place for the city if there were to be a second or third wave of COVID-19, but that plan is still being shaped in order to provide the most efficient response. He shared that the hardest part of planning next year’s budget has been estimating an accurate income with the unknowns of COVID-19.
Agreeing with JD. we have all been saying this for months. There was a clear reason the city was so slow to open and it clearly was for their budget not for our safety. Open the library. Our children ask constantly if they can go back. It is vital. This is all a sham and covid is an excuse.
Wait a minute. Now he says the city is still in pretty good shape. Wasn’t it a couple of weeks ago he said the city was struggling? Why don’t they clean out some of the good ole boys club at city hall and get rid of those big salaries???? Why are we repaving Street that don’t need it????? Why did we need that so called splash pad that no doubt will cost the tax payers from some sort of lawsuit down the road???
how much do you want to bet they raise taxes
Actually I’m surprised it’s not greater. I do believe we’re in good hands though. As I understand it there were almost immediate changes made upon shutdown. Very wise. I for one would advise for continued caution, one cannot place a value on lives.
So what. Open the library full time again, rehire the employees that were laid off, and cut the budget in other areas.
If the city needs to hold off on painting something or landscaping something that is fine.
It can wait till the 21-22 year.
The fact that the city has cut the budget of the library, then has the aquatic center people working in the library so they still have a job, but canceled the librarians staff, is disgraceful.
A library in a community is a vital part of that community, for education, research, and a safe space for children and adults to spend their time.
Especially when other areas of recreation and education are closed.
It affects all citizens, poor and rich alike, but it is much more of a disadvantage to the single parent/economically disadvantaged familes.
Find the money, ask for donations and volunteers, and open it back up now.
Thank you.
Wait , they cut the library staff. And got the staff at the aquatic center to work the Library. I didn’t know the library had a POOL! That’s the only way this bozo move would make sense. So, what’s the library staff gonna do teach “Marco Polo” at the aquatic center? ????? Makes perfect sense doesn’t it?