'Favorable operating budget' - A msg from the Dir. of Finance and Operational Logistics

OPA once again produced a favorable operating budget variance for the month of November, bringing the year-to-date positive operating variance to approximately $1.35 million. The year-to-date results continue to be driven by the $1.15 million in Payroll Protection Program funding, combined with labor savings in various departments and amenity operations due to reduced capacity levels resulting from COVID protocols. If we examine total amenity and Recreation and Parks revenues to date without consideration of the PPP income, net revenues fall short of budget by nearly $900,000.

There continues to be a high degree of uncertainty associated with revenues over the remaining months of the fiscal year due to COVID. Finance will continue to stay current with any new potential COVID-related funding opportunities, and account for the negative impact the pandemic-related closures/limitations will have on the operating budget, capital expenditures and cash flows for both fiscal year 2021 and 2022.

For the second straight year, the General Manager’s proposed budget was released to the public just prior to Christmas. This will give the Budget and Finance Com- mittee and the Board of Directors additional time to closely examine the details prior to the January budget review meetings. The Budget and Finance meetings are scheduled this year for Jan. 6-8.