As promised in the most recent issue of the Dialog, I wanted to share with you a snapshot of the city’s budget process. In terms of the “101,” we are currently moving from budget preparation to the adoption phase. Budget preparation requires that each department assemble its budget and then meet with the finance director and myself to review and justify requests for fiscal year 2009 (which begins on July 1, 2008). Once this has been completed, budget deliberations move from the administrative review process to the legislative process.

Over the next six weeks or, City Council will receive comprehensive budget presentations from the various departments during work sessions and prior to regular meetings. During these sessions, Council will have the opportunity, as your elected representatives, to ask questions of staff regarding expenditures and any other matters related to the budget. As the policy-making body, City Council is ultimately responsible for adopting a balanced budget which it is scheduled to do on May 20, 2008 during a regular City Council meeting. Please note that on April 15, 2008 a mandatory “Truth in Taxation Hearing” will be held during which council will discuss the millage rate. All of these meetings are open to the public. If you are interested in a schedule of meetings, please click on the City Council page in the toolbar.