During the City of Pacific's Special Board of Aldermen Meeting on May 29, 2025, significant discussions centered around the budgeting and financial management of the Iron Horse Rodeo, a key event for local tourism. The board members emphasized the need for clearer financial reporting and consolidation of revenue and expenditure lines related to the rodeo to ensure accurate budgeting and transparency.
Alderman discussions highlighted discrepancies in the current financial spreadsheet, particularly regarding the categorization of revenues and expenditures. Members noted that the rodeo's financial data was spread across multiple lines, complicating the overall budget picture. They proposed consolidating these entries into a single revenue line and a single expenditure line to simplify tracking and improve clarity.
The board also addressed the current fund balance for the Iron Horse Rodeo, which was reported to be $111,712 as of March 31, 2025. However, there was confusion regarding the actual balance after accounting for expenditures from the previous year’s event. Members debated the accuracy of the reported figures, with some suggesting that the fund had actually decreased due to higher expenses than revenues generated last year.
To resolve these issues, the board agreed to adjust the budget to reflect a more accurate picture of the rodeo's financial status. This includes moving certain revenue figures up into the main budget lines and ensuring that all related expenditures are correctly categorized. The goal is to provide a clearer understanding of the financial implications of the rodeo for future planning and to enhance the city's tourism budget.
As the meeting concluded, the board recognized the importance of these adjustments not only for the rodeo but also for the overall financial health of the city's tourism initiatives. The proposed changes are expected to lead to better financial oversight and more effective planning for future events, ultimately benefiting the community and local economy.