St. Joseph City Audit Shows Nearly $400,000 Revenue Increase in 2025

(KNSI) – St. Joseph brought in nearly $400,000 more in revenue last year than the year before, according to the city’s newly released audit.

The audit examines how well the city used taxpayers’ money, looking at categories such as debt, the general fund, and enterprise funds.

In 2025, the city’s revenue increased by $401,980 compared to 2024. Tax revenue of $389,149 accounted for the largest share of that growth, driven by an increase in the levy. Since 2021, total revenues have grown by $1,567,826, largely due to increases in property taxes, franchise fees, licenses and permits, and intergovernmental and miscellaneous revenues.

The city also saw a $95,788 drop in net position. General Fund revenues came in $478,962 over budget, while total expenditures exceeded budget by $275,645. Capital outlay came in over budget by $537,564 due to an unbudgeted land purchase for a future public safety facility. Public safety came in under budget by $248,166, attributed to conservative budgeting.

Operating revenues for the Sanitary Sewer Fund increased by $62,394, while operating expenses rose by $129,653 due to higher rates, salaries, and maintenance costs. For the Refuse Fund, operating revenues and expenses increased by $9,209 and $25,852, respectively.

The Storm Water Fund saw operating revenues increase by $976 and operating expenses rise by $33,566, driven by higher salaries and benefits and professional service costs. Operating revenues from the Street Utility Fund remained largely flat, rising just $638 from 2024 to 2025, while operating expenses increased $9,085 due to higher public utility rates.

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