AUBURN - The city of Auburn is in good fiscal shape so far this year, according to the city's chief financial officer.

Comptroller Lisa Green gave members of Auburn City Council a report Thursday on the city's financial performance for the first quarter of the fiscal year.

Overall, the city is “right on track” with its 2008-2009 budget, Green told officials. And so far, there have been no indications that any state or federal aid will be cut this year, she said.

“We're in a good position right now going forward,” Green said during the council meeting.

The city's water and sewer, solid waste and general funds are already building small surpluses because expenditures are below budget and revenues are higher than estimated. The hydroelectric fund is the only area that is not performing positively.

If the city continues on this financial track, it could record a surplus of approximately $247,000, Green said.

When Auburn's “strong” financial performance from the previous fiscal year is considered, the city is in a good position to face any economic fallout from the current crisis, Green continued.

While she has not been informed of any cuts to state or federal funds so far, she said next year could be another story.

“There is always a trickle down, and it takes a while for local (governments) to feel effects,” Green said.

However, she noted that the current storm could have at least one positive result. The city has seen a rise in sales tax revenue.

“I think that with the economy the way that it is, people are shopping closer to home,” Green said.

In other news:

* Councilors unanimously approved a change order of $148,000 for the city's 2008 Road Improvement Program. But the approval came after a barrage of questions from council about where the money is coming from and why it is needed.

William Lupien, superintendent of engineering services, told members of council that the funds are being requested so the contractor working on the roads (Paul F. Vitale, Inc.) can also install curbing in certain streets. The project will not exceed the $1.4 million approved by council, he said.

“It's a flexible program,” Lupien said of the annual road repairs. “But we always try to stay within the bonding limits.”

* The city council will meet at special times over the holiday season. Council approved the following schedule changes: it will meet on Nov. 25 instead of Nov. 27 because of Thanksgiving, Dec. 23 instead of Dec. 25 because of Christmas, Dec. 30 instead of Jan. 1 because of New Year's Day. All meetings will begin at 6 p.m.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.