City of Donaldsonville Budget Message for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2027   To the Citizens of Donaldsonville, It is my honor to present the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget for the City of Donaldsonville. This budget reflects not only our financial plan, but our shared vision for a stronger, safer, and more resilient community. Our administration remains committed to responsible stewardship of public resources while advancing strategic priorities that enhance quality of life for all residents. This budget is balanced, forward-looking, and aligned with both local priorities and federal funding opportunities. FINANCIAL OVERVIEW The City anticipates total revenues and transfers of $4.41 million in the General Fund, $5.85 million in Special Revenue Funds, and $613,280 in Debt Service Funds. These revenues are supported primarily by sales taxes, property taxes, intergovernmental revenues, and service fees. EXPENDITURES AND PRIORITIES Expenditures are carefully aligned with the City’s core priorities: • Public Safety – Continued investment in police, fire protection, and emergency response to ensure the safety of our citizens. • Infrastructure – Funding for street improvements and maintenance to support economic development and mobility. • Government Operations – Efficient administrative services to support transparency and accountability. • Community Services – Programs that promote health, recreation, and overall well-being. STRATEGIC GOALS This budget advances several key strategic goals: • Strengthening financial stability through disciplined budgeting and maintaining healthy fund balances. • Investing in infrastructure to support long-term growth and sustainability. • Enhancing public safety resources and responsiveness. • Expanding community development initiatives to improve quality of life. • Leveraging partnerships to maximize resources and service delivery. FEDERAL GRANT ALIGNMENT The City continues to align its financial planning with federal funding opportunities, including grants that support infrastructure, public safety, housing, and community development. By strategically integrating grant funding such as HUD-related revenues and other intergovernmental sources, we are able to supplement local revenues and expand services without placing additional burden on taxpayers. Our approach ensures compliance with federal requirements while strengthening internal controls, accountability, and reporting standards. OPERATING RESULTS AND FUND BALANCE The General Fund reflects a projected surplus of $43,300 and Special Revenue Funds show a surplus of $23,855, demonstrating prudent financial management. The City maintains strong ending fund balances to ensure stability, liquidity, and preparedness for unforeseen needs. GAS UTILITY FUND The Gas Utility Fund projects total revenues of approximately $7.5 million, driven largely by service charges and significant intergovernmental funding support. Expenditures are projected at approximately $6.42 million, resulting in a positive operating margin of approximately $1.0 million. This surplus reflects the sale of pre-pay gas to industrial customers. Federal and intergovernmental funding, including over $4.8 million in grant-related revenues, plays a critical role in supporting these capital improvements. SEWER UTILITY FUND The Sewer Utility Fund anticipates total revenues of approximately $2.31 million, including service charges and intergovernmental revenues. Total expenditures are projected at approximately $1.96 million, resulting in an operating surplus of approximately $356,300.  Key investments include sewer system improvements, maintenance of infrastructure, and capital outlay projects to enhance long-term system reliability and environmental compliance.  CONCLUSION This budget represents our commitment to fiscal responsibility, strategic investment, and community progress. We will continue to pursue opportunities that strengthen Donaldsonville while maintaining transparency and accountability to our residents. Together, we are building a stronger future for our city. Respectfully submitted,  Mayor Leroy J. Sullivan, Sr. City of Donaldsonville 12365213 6/4 6/11/26 ($138.72)