Pilot Point earned a clean audit, presented at the Feb. 26 meeting by CPA Valerie Halverson of the MWH Group.
Halverson noted improvements from her past visit, stating the audit was clean, “which is why I like to say it's as nice as we get as auditors,” she said.
She stated that the city had no significant deficiencies or issues and added that there were no new debt issuances this year, as the debt has decreased.
Another item she highlighted was the city’s total assets, concluding the 2025 year with about $92 million.
“ About $50 million of that is in fixed assets,” Halverson said. “About $39 million is in cash and cash equivalents.”
She added that the cash and cash equivalents are restricted funds for future construction, “within the business- type activities.”
Halverson went on to discuss the city’s total revenue.
“Your total revenues were just shy of $20 million in 2025, $19.83 million versus $17.9 million last year, so about ... $2 million increase in revenue during the year, but at the same time, the expenses increased to $21.6 million versus $17.8 million in the last year,” she said.
Halverson attributed several factors to the city's expansion efforts, including increased staffing, which in turn affects more salaries and payroll.
Council member Mike Wilson led the vote to approve the annual audit, and council member Brian Murrell seconded, making a unanimous approval.
Pilot Point staff received recognition for its work as City Manager Britt Lusk highlighted the city winning its second budget award in a row for Fiscal Year 2025 through Fiscal Year 2026 from the Government Finance Officers Association.
“I’d like to give my gratitude to Michele [Sanchez] and the finance team for doing this clean audit,” he said. “So not only are they doing clean audits, but they are also winning awards for their budget books.”
Also at the Feb. 26 meeting, the Pilot Point City Council took action on a request for a preliminary plat to create at most 392 residential homes on 112.53 acres of land.
So far, the council has approved a development agreement, annexation and zone change in previous council meetings.
The land is near the city’s northeast corner of Alexander Road and West Holford Street.
Community Services Director Darrell Gentry detailed some of the other features included, such as a nature preserve and an amenity center, which was a preexisting part of Robert W. Henzler Lake, he added, along with a trail system for both the public and future residents of the development.
“The developer has already indicated in the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting that he's been able to negotiate access at three points into the core property, and that will provide a means which hikers and pedestrians can take advantage of some of those routes as well,” Gentry said.
Council member Ray Dane led the vote to recommend approval of the preliminary plat contingent on the voluntary annexation request being completed.
“I think it’s going to be great for the city of Pilot Point,” Dane said.
The mayor and other members of the council agreed.
Tortuga Plumbing LLC owner Justin Cook praised all of the city’s public works department for a job well done during the public forum.
“They went above and beyond for one of their citizens, one of my customers, where they could have just hidden behind an ordinance, and they did not,” Cook said. “I want to give them all accolades.”
Also at the meeting, the council unanimously voted to cancel its May 2 regular election as seats for Place 1, held by Brian Heitzman, and Place 3, held by Dane, ran again, uncontested “It's probably going to save us about $20,000,” City Secretary Lenette Cox said.
