BLAND — Bland aldermen reviewed multiple financial reports at their Jan. 9 meeting, including public safety expenditures, citywide monthly invoices, and a reimbursement from the park fund to the city’s general fund covering costs incurred in December and early January.

According to the Public Safety Budget Expenditures 2025–26 report, the department began the December–January period with a budget balance of $52,672.77. Expenses during that time totaled $10,942.29, leaving a remaining balance of $41,730.48. The overall public safety budget is $112,789.22 for the fiscal year.

Public safety spending included recurring technology services such as laptop support, backup space, remote support plans and off-site storage through AQM, along with cell phone service through FirstNet. Uniform and rug services were billed multiple times through Cintas, and other expenses included utilities phone service, credit card charges, legal services, dog tag fees, trash pickup and wages for the month of December.

City officials also reviewed the FY 25–26 December–January monthly invoices due report, which showed  $41,862.88 in total invoices. That figure was down from $35,920.24 in the prior period, reflecting a decrease of $5,942.64, or approximately 17 percent. The invoices included Ameren utility charges, water, sewer, street lighting, park facilities and wastewater treatment, along with insurance premiums, health and dental coverage, technology services and legal expenses.

Additional charges during the period included supplies and parts purchased locally, trash pickup services, chemical and fertilizer purchases, credit card transactions, license permits, state tax payments and wages. The report also reflected several credits and adjustments, including store credits and reimbursements applied during the billing cycle.

A separate Park Reimbursement to City General Fund report showed that $1,033.38 was reimbursed to the general fund for park-related expenses. Those costs included park utility bills, technology services, copy machine charges, fertilizer, trash pickup and park signage.