The Bethlehem City Council Finance Committee heard favorable second-quarter financial reports from city administration at an Aug. 18 meeting.

Committee chairman and council member Michael Recchiuti was joined by committee members Eric Evans and Bryan Callahan as well as council member Louis Stellato and later by Council President J. William Reynolds.

City Business Manager David Brong said some items are “buried in the general fund and we want to shine a bright light on them.” Overall, he said, the second quarter finances show relatively good news, adding that most items are “beating plan” so far this year.

Notably, revenues are currently beating plan by approximately $744,000, thanks to income from EITS and mercantile taxes being ahead of plan.

Expenses in the general fund are also up about $325,000, with medical expenses more than planned for the city’s 598 employees. However, Brong said, net income is up approximately $325,000 so far in 2015.

The city golf course is beating projections by almost $15,000. While the golf course revenue is ahead of plan, Brong cautioned it is still not able to meet rightful overhead charges on its own.

Under EMS, net revenue is up $203,000. Brong credited supervisor Tom Decker for reducing a three-month invoice backlog to current. EMS net income is up $73,000 for the first half of the year.

The Water fund net income is up $402,000, Brong said, adding this is due to large debt restructuring that affected the timing of payments.

The Sewer fund net income is up approximately $417,000.

The Recycling program is “very much embedded in general fund,” Brong said, reporting net income is up $27,000, although resale markets are at an all-time low.

“It’s looking good if it’s going to sustain itself,” he said. “We’re counting on that.”

Brong also said this year includes a 27th pay cycle, which occurs once in 11 years.

He said the second half of the year looks to be secure financially. “We anticipate having cash at end of year.”

Evans commented, “This continues to be good news. It’s a positive trend.”