BMU: ‘Strong performance’ for 2012

BROOKINGS – Brookings experienced a spring heat wave in 2012 that cut down on electrical consumption, and a more-than-ample supply of groundwater kept residents from watering lawns until a summer drought kicked in.

Nevertheless, 2012 was a banner year for Brookings Municipal Utilities, Laura Julius told the city council Tuesday.

Julius, accounting and finance manager for the city-owned utility group, told the council that last year the electric, water, telephone and wastewater funds “showed a strong performance and profitability.”

Julius’ presentation at this week’s council study session was one of two financial reviews the councilors heard; Treasurer Rita Thompson also delivered the city’s annual financial report. She, too, noted that the city “is in good financial shape,” a sentiment echoed by City Manager Jeff Weldon who pronounced the city financially healthy. “We don’t have a lot of debt,” he said.

Julius told the council that BMU’s four utility funds brought in nearly $65 million in revenue in 2012, while total expenses amounted to about $57 million.



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