Sidney anticipates good news on its financial health

The city hopes to end its fiscal year in fine health. Sidney's fiscal year ends at the end of September.

Tax collections, which were a mixed bag in August this year, might be the only hitch.

"The property tax came in a little short, but the sales tax is coming in better than anticipated," said city clerk Geri Anthony. "So that helped a lot."

Although property tax collections were lower than anticipated, collections in October are usually pretty substantial, she added.

The city is pleased with the sales tax numbers at this point. September sales tax numbers seem to be better than projected.

"We just got notified from the department of revenue, and it's very good," said city manager Gary Person. "And so we're already exceeding what we conservatively budgeted after month 11. It'll be considerably over that."

Sidney Mayor Wendall Gaston wondered how much money the new half cent sales tax was taking in for the city. Person confirmed that it was on target.

"Every month's different," Person said. "Just because of the nature of sales in the summer months verses winter months."

Gaston also wanted to know if sales tax numbers keep coming in this well, if the city would have some extra money to work with in seven or eight years.

"I think we're gonna be in great shape with all the projects we've got going for us," Person said.