The Benton Harbor Brownfield Redevelopment Authority approved a proposed budget for fiscal 2025–26 at its Oct. 9 meeting, voting 5-0 to adopt the plan after discussion about last year’s spending and available funds.

Staff presented fiscal-year figures for the year ending June 30, 2025, showing total revenues of about $280,000 and expenditures that produced a reported year-end negative change of $130,719 (an accounting result tied to prior commitments and restricted tax-increment funds). Staff said a portion of the authority’s bank balances — about $219,452 — is the local brownfield revolving fund and that total cash and liquid assets were roughly $771,940 as of Aug. 31.

Therese, the Brownfield adviser, told the board that much of the authority's revenue comes from tax increment capture and that last year’s reimbursements to developers and spending on one-time items (including demolition and large disbursements) increased outflows. "That level of spending is not sustainable," she said, urging the board to set priorities and consider a strategic retreat to align expenditures with long-term goals.

The budget the board approved projects tax-increment revenue of $280,000, advisory support of $50,000, legal support at $2,500 and a modest marketing allocation. Staff estimated the proposed budget would produce a small surplus of about $13,100 for the coming year if adopted.

Board members asked for clearer reporting that separates restricted developer reimbursement balances from discretionary funds; staff said finance staff and the adviser will prepare a report showing restricted amounts and suggested a strategy session to set spending priorities.

The board's approval was unanimous. Member Mary Alice Adams moved to adopt the proposed budget and Member Ivy Chandler seconded. A roll call vote recorded all five members in favor.

Board members said they want follow-up reporting on restricted funds, outstanding developer reimbursements, and timing for future tax-increment receipts; staff said it would return with a clearer restricted-funds breakout and recommended options for a board retreat to refine mission and spending priorities.

No immediate changes to the authority’s spending were enacted at the meeting; staff will bring updated reporting to a future session.