Budget trends, police upgrades, and a call for motorcycle safety took center stage Monday as the Canandaigua City Council Finance Committee reviewed the city’s unaudited 2024 financials and weighed several funding proposals. Mayor Bob Palumbo also issued a heartfelt proclamation marking May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
2024 unaudited financial results
City Treasurer Nancy Abdallah presented the preliminary year-end financial report for 2024. The general fund ended the year with a deficit of $360,134—an improvement over the budgeted deficit of approximately $870,000. The city’s unassigned fund balance now stands at $5.66 million, slightly above the projected $5.2 million, providing the city with 26.34% of its annual expenditures in reserve—above its 25% target.
Abdallah also reviewed fund balances and variances across the city’s capital, water, and sewer funds. The water fund closed with a deficit of $114,000, while the sewer fund reported a surplus of approximately $300,000. Variances in revenue and expenditure were largely attributed to fluctuations in utility taxes, lower-than-expected snow removal costs, and underutilized staffing lines.
Committee members discussed the use of contingency funds, budget amendment procedures, and the need for periodic budget education sessions in future meetings to improve decision-making and transparency.
Police department and budget updates
The committee approved multiple unbudgeted expenditures using the Police Asset and Forfeiture Fund:
- Laptop Computers: The department requested $5,842.24 to replace two failed in-vehicle Dell Latitude 7330 rugged laptops and docking stations. These devices support patrol operations including call dispatch, DMV data access, and report writing.
- Radar Devices: Two new Stalker II Moving Radar systems were approved for $5,504. The devices will be installed in incoming electric patrol vehicles and replace older models with chronic repair issues.
- Firearm Transition: The department plans to transition from Glock 23 .40 caliber sidearms to Glock 47 9mm models. The $27,268.55 expense—$21,582.55 for firearms after trade-in and $5,686 for new holsters—will also be covered by forfeiture funds. The switch is motivated by improved 9mm performance, cost savings, and training efficiency.
Other finance items
- School Resource Officer Agreement: The City and Canandaigua City School District plan to renew their SRO agreement, with the District increasing its reimbursement for the full-time officer from 50% to 60%. The District will also fund two additional part-time officers to cover after-school events, reducing costs previously incurred through overtime pay.
- Electrical Repairs at Police Station: A leak through the main electrical conduit required a capital budget amendment. Schuler Haas Electric will complete internal wiring repairs and installation of a new meter can at a quoted cost of $33,504.
- Surplus Vehicles: The Department of Public Works will dispose of five vehicles, selling one to Finger Lakes Community College and auctioning the rest.
- North Bloomfield Road Project: A $56,833.95 change order was approved for additional inspection and administration services by Hunt Engineers on the North Bloomfield Road reconstruction project.
- GIS Internship: A $9,600 budget amendment was approved to hire a 12-week summer intern for GIS work under a grant shared with the Town of Canandaigua.
Flood mitigation project update
Watershed Manager Kevin Olvany and Colliers Engineering are developing a grant application for the Sucker Brook Flood Mitigation Project. While no formal action was taken, a public forum is planned for May 20 to present the project’s scope to residents ahead of the May 19 City Council meeting.
Motorcycle awareness proclamation
Mayor Bob Palumbo proclaimed May 2025 as Motorcycle Awareness Month in memory of his brother, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2024. The proclamation encourages all motorists to “look before you left” and to share the road safely with motorcyclists.
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