Members of the city council's Finance Committee approved several year-end adjustments to the 2014 budget at their meeting on Feb. 11. The committee includes Council member Michael Recciuti, committee chair, and council members Bryan Callahan and Eric Evans.

First up for discussion were changes to the general fund budget for the Health Bureau and EMS.

Health Director Kristen Wenrich said some adjustments were necessary to reflect savings in the budget. She also noted that budget changes covered temporary personnel to conduct the FDA food standardization and the Lead Hazard control program. In addition, she noted an approximately $7,000 increase in a grant to promote breastfeeding training and education.

Tom Decker, director of EMS, discussed the $750 budget change necessary for operating supplies. He noted the escrow account was created for reimbursements for participation in exercises and drills and for specific grants. The funds dedicated for EMS preparedness and operations.

The funds will be used to purchase one bicycle for the paramedic bike team, Decker said.

Mark Sivak, director of budget and finance, noted changes in the general fund for signage and cited a Northampton County Gaming Grant. Responding to a question from Evans, Sivak said the adjustments were "just reflecting what the year-end balance should have been" now that actual amounts are available.

Next the committee discussed 2014 year-end adjustments to the non-utility capital budget. Adjustments to the non-utility capital improvements fund were based on remaining expense line item balances as of Dec. 31, 2014 and bond proceeds and grant balances available as of Dec. 31 2014.

Callahan questioned the PennDOT ARLE program. This regarded the Fahy Bridge turning lane project, Sivak replied.

Further discussion followed on year-end adjustments to the water capital and sewer capital budgets. The adjustments will amend the total water capital fund budget from $4,112,439 to $4,467,805.

Business Administrator Dave Brong said fourth quarter expenses were less than budgeted.

Water has $335,000 on hand, sewer almost $900,000. "These are relatively stable," he said.

He also cited a recycling blue bird grant of approximately $250,000. "We were pleased with that fact," Brong said.

Sivak said the budget adjustments were necessary to reflect projects that were not completed or were completed but not fully paid for during the budget year. The adjustments will amend the total sewer capital fund budget from $18,076,504 to $17,132,770.

Some of the projects included minor and major water line replacement, construction and sidewalk restoration. Sivak also mentioned the south storage tank has been out of service. "We're trying to get it back in service," he said.

Sivak noted a major project at the sewer treatment plant and a digester project. Recchiuti questioned where the money coming from for these project. Sivak answered that it is funded by "cash already in the bank" and capital appropriations.

The Finance Committee also discussed year-end adjustments to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home program.

Chris Jones, business manager of the Department of Community and Economic Development, said the budget adjustment would reinstate $150,000 that had been moved to cover costs associated with HOME 2008 (Helping Opportunity Movement ). This was done to cover possible expenses until it was confirmed that a HUD grant would be available.

Recchiuti said the Finance Committee hopes to meet before the first city council meeting in March, but an exact time has not yet been set.