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Operating Fund Reserve Policy <br /> Purpose <br /> ❑ To provide a cushion against unexpected revenue and income interruptions. <br /> ❑ To provide working capital by ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet the City's needs throughout <br /> the year. <br /> Policy <br /> ❑ The City will maintain a general fund reserve of 35-45% of the general fund's total annual <br /> operating budget.This ensures that the City has adequate funds on hand to provide for operations <br /> between bi-annual property tax collection periods.Any surplus beyond the required general fund <br /> reserve may be transferred to another reserve fund with a funding shortfall. <br /> ❑ The City will strive to create a reserve in the Recreation Fund to equal 25% of the annual <br /> recreation budget. This reserve will provide a cash flow cushion and reduce the inter-fund <br /> borrowing expense to the Recreation Fund. Because of more frequent cash inflows, a 25% <br /> reserve will be adequate to support the daily cash needs of the fund. <br /> ❑ The Community Development Fund is supported solely by building permit fees and charges. <br /> Because the economic environment has a major effect on this Fund, a fund balance of 25-50 % <br /> of the annual budget is a reasonable target. It is expected that as economic downturns take place, <br /> this reserve will provide for a transition period during which the Council will be able to assess <br /> and to better match operations with the economic need. <br /> ❑ City enterprise funds shall have operating cash reserves sufficient to provide for monthly cash <br /> flow, and for a reasonable level of equipment and infrastructure replacement. Major <br /> reconstruction or system upgrades, may need to be funded from enterprise revenue bonds. <br /> Annual utility rate reviews will be made in regard to projected operating expenses and capital <br /> improvements. The Council will, on an annual basis, establish rates in accordance to operating <br /> cost recovery and the projected capital improvements. <br /> ❑ All other operational funds e.g. License Center, Information Technology, etc. are expected to <br /> operate with positive reserve balances of 10-25% of the annual operating budget. Each <br /> operational fund shall be reviewed on an annual basis to assure the fund balance is in line with <br /> the fund's objectives. <br /> ❑ In the event the minimum fund balance drops below prescribed levels, the City shall dedicate <br /> new incoming property tax or program revenues (where applicable) in an amount sufficient to <br /> bring fund balance levels back into compliance within three fiscal years. <br /> ❑ Unless otherwise directed by the City Council, monies held in individual Funds shall be <br /> expended first from restricted fund balances, second from committed fund balances, then from <br /> assigned fund balances,before using unassigned fund balance. <br /> Page 10 of 15 <br />