2002 Approved Budget - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

either by transfers from the contingency section of the general fund budget or by revenues received in excess of the budgeted amounts. All budget amounts lapse at the end of the year to the extent they have not been expended. The level which expenditures may not legally exceed appropriations is at the fund level. Long Range Planning (Capital Improvement Program (CIP)) Overview As part of the annual budget and the long range planning process, the city also updates a 5 -year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The Capital Improvement Process is on going throughout the year, as the city council studies and approves various projects. The document preparation is an affirmation of those approvals as well as a projection of potential projects that may be approved within the 5-year period. The general guideline for CIP inclusion would be equipment of a capital nature, and construction project cost generally in excess of $500. Items may appear in the CIP that are under the minimum amount, but they are evaluated on the basis of the substance of the expenditure. Budget Procedures (Specific) A budget calendar is developed in early February of each year with the departmental budget material going out to departments in early April. Prior to Departmental distribution, the Council at a work session usually sets overall goals for the City Management team to aid in their budget preparation. Those goals usually consist of < Infrastructure Goals < City Service Goals < City Performance Goals < City Property Tax Goals These goals are then to be incorporated to the greatest extent possible within each department submittal. In early April the budget materials are distributed to all departments. The budgetary requests are then returned to the City Finance team for compilation and preparation for the City Manager review. The Finance Team usually meets with each department during the preparation process to work out any details or clarifications. Areas, which cannot be resolved or are particularly affected by management policy are set aside for a meeting with the City Manager. Upon final resolution of the major issues, the City Manager, with the assistance of the Finance Team presents the recommended budget to the City Council. The presentation is intended to provide the Council with the type of information, to assure that Council policy direction is being followed with particular emphasis on the Council's objectives set for the budget year. I -16