Committee approves $40,000 postage pre-purchase and $245,000 budget amendment to cover project cost increases

Marathon County’s committee approved two budget moves intended to smooth near-term costs: a $40,000 transfer to pre-purchase postage for elections and a $245,000 transfer from 2025 natural gas savings into the capital improvement program (CIP) to cover cost increases on a KIPP project.

The county clerk explained preloading the postage meter would allow use of current postage rates before increases in January and July. Supervisor Lemmer moved to authorize pre-purchasing $40,000 of postage; Supervisor Hart seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Deputy Administrator Homan described the $245,000 amendment as necessary because project costs rose after the architect missed items and because recent federal refrigerant regulatory changes (affecting equipment and seals) have pushed up replacement costs. Staff recommended transferring 2025 natural gas budget savings—attributed to purchasing strategy and reduced usage—into the CIP to fill the shortfall. Chair Gibbs moved to approve the budget amendment; motion seconded and carried.

Both actions were routine fiscal adjustments documented in the meeting packet and approved by voice vote.