Magna's 2027 budget papers show two totals, and its August report a $90,000 gap

The fiscal 2027 budget schedules attached to Magna's budget ordinance in the council's June 9 packet show two columns for Fund 60, the city's main fund: "FY2027 Budget" at $16,377,237 and "FY2027 Budget updated" at $14,513,185, each balanced. ^[1]

The posted copy of Ordinance 2026-O-10 says it was adopted June 9, 2026 and certifies the attached budget as final. It is a scan, and the vote is not legible. ^[3]

What changed between the columns

The $1,864,052 difference falls entirely in the administration section. Wages fall from $850,602 to $500,000, employee benefits from $279,950 to $250,000, the Webster Center line from $790,000 to $15,000 and non-classified expenses from $708,500 to zero. The administration total falls from $4,064,737 to $2,200,685. ^[1]

Both columns list the same $9,387,501 contribution from Fund 60 to the general fund. ^[1]

The August report

The financial report for July 1 through Aug. 31, 2026, in the council's Oct. 13 packet, uses $14,513,185 as the Fund 60 revenue budget and $14,603,185 as the expenditure budget. ^[2]

Its contributions and special events line carries a $235,000 budget. The June schedule listed $145,000 for that line in both fiscal 2027 columns. ^[2][1]

The Aug. 11 council packet contains no budget amendment, the Sept. 22 agenda lists none and the Sept. 8 minutes record none. The Ledger did not find an amendment covering the change in the records reviewed. ^[4][5][6]

Fund balance

The same report shows Fund 60's fund balance at $4,536,679.70 on Aug. 31, 2026: $1,608,933.65 unassigned, $1,976,496.05 assigned to capital and $951,250 restricted for corridor preservation. Separately, $816,115.64 in restricted cash is offset by $816,015.64 in performance bonds payable. ^[2]