City audit

Report shows more cash, less debt and more upgrades

HARTINGTON — The City of Hartington wrapped up its 2024 fiscal year with a balanced mix of spending, increased revenue, and strategic investment in community upgrades, according to the city’s latest audit report.

The report, compiled by City Auditor Kyle Overturf of AMGL Advisors of Grand Island, shows despite tough economic challenges across the region, Hartington brought in more money in the latest audit year than the year before, while keeping spending steady, paying down debt, setting aside more in reserves and completing a long list of capital improvements that Mayor Mark Becker said will benefit residents for years to come.

That picture might not look so rosy in the near future, though, as city residents will soon begin paying for a new city shop approved in the 2024 bond election. Local taxpayers will also have to begin paying for a lease-to-own agreement to buy the Skylon Ballroom and expand and upgrade the facility.

Governmental revenues for the year totaled $2.51 million, a slight drop from the previous year’s $2.64 million, but business-type operations — including water, sewer, and sanitation services — helped tip the scales. Those departments pulled in $1.06 million, up from $950,298 in 2023.

Altogether, the city’s total inflows exceeded prior-year levels, even while total expenses for governmental activities held steady at around $2.67 million, nearly unchanged from 2023.

The city reduced its long-term debt by $136,209, or 5.1%, thanks to scheduled principal payments — leaving a year-end debt total of $2.51 million.

Meanwhile, the city reported a net position of $4.78 million, with $3.03 million tied to governmental activities. Importantly, the city also increased its total governmental fund balances to $626,349, up from the previous year, even as some fund areas continued to carry deficits.

The audit also details how Hartington put its dollars to work in 2024, with more than $5.39 million invested in capital assets. Several purchases stood out: A 2021 Freightliner garbage truck for $118,988 A 2024 Chevy pickup costing $51,825 A transfer station truck at $55,000 A sewer mixer and Neptune meter system Fire hydrants, a new air conditioning unit, and other infrastructure needs Hartington also made some big investments in city improvements. Capital outlay—money typically used for major purchases or projects—jumped from $120,000 to $220,000.

In addition, residents may have noticed improvements around town — including a new bathroom and speaker system at the complex, baseball field wall, alley paving, Centre and Capitol paving, and the addition of a John Deere maintainer valued at $70,000.

The audit shows the city’s general fund revenue climbed to $1.25 million in 2023, up 11.6% from 2022. Spending stayed nearly flat, rising just under 1% to $1.18 million. That balance helped the city grow its cash reserves to $670,000.