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Department Approval �. �: � Item Description �� .r- REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Date: 04/20/15 Item No.: 13.a City Manager Approval Consider Establishing a 20l 6 Budget Calendar & Process BACKGROUND In an effort to better coordinate the budget process, the City Council is asked to consider establishing a Budget Calendar. Adhering to a budget calendar demonstrates that the Council and Staff are committed to a process that ensures transparent discussions and informed decisions. It also demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that opportunities are created for citizens and interested parties to participate in the budget process — and to know in advance of when those opportunities will occur. In addition to establishing a budget calendar, the Council is also asked to decide on the types of budgetary information it needs to ensure an effective and efficient budget process. Last year, the Council held a dozen budget-related discussions spanning from May to December. This was a significant departure from previous years which routinely numbered 20 or more separate � meetings. The calendar of key budget dates from last year included the following: 2015 Budget Calendar Departmental Budget Presentations .............................................. Discussion on City Council Budget Goals & Priorities ................ Present the City Manager Recommended Budget ........................ Preliminary Budget Hearing ......................................................... Review the 2015-2034 CIP & Funding Strategies ....................... Adopt the Preliminary Budget ...................................................... Continue Discussions on the Budget ............................................ Subsequent Review of the 2015-2034 CIP & Funding Strategies Final Budget Hearing .................................................................... Adopt the 2015 Water & Sewer Rates .......................................... < Adopt the 2015 Final Budget ........................................................ ........................... May 22, 2014 ........................... June 16, 2014 ............................ July 14, 2014 ....................... August 11, 2014 ....................... August 25, 2014 .................... September 8, 2014 ......................October 20, 2014 ..................November 10, 2014 .................... December 1, 2014 .................... December 8, 2014 .................... December 8, 2014 To build on the effectiveness of last year's budget calendar, Staff recommends the City continue to adhere to the following principles: Page 1 of 3