The major steps
involved in the development of the annual operating budget are
identified below.
City
Commission Financial Retreat: The process generally begins within the first couple months of the calendar year
with a review of the City's latest financial status, financial challenges, progress on economic
development activities, plus budget initiatives, recommendations for new revenue opportunities,
and a review of the three-year financial forecast. The Commission sets priorities for the next
fiscal year at this retreat.
Executive and Management Retreat: Within a month following the City Commission Financial Retreat, the City Manager
holds a retreat with members of the Executive and Management staff to disseminate the results of
the City Commission Financial Retreat and to advise Department and Office Directors of critical
issues.
Employee Workshops:
In an effort to gather ideas from those who are involved most closely
to the daily operations of the City, workshops are held for employees
to make recommendations and to highlight opportunities. Employee
suggestions are reviewed by a special committee and implemented, when
practicable.
City
Commission Budget Workshop:
Departments and Offices Budget Requests for the new fiscal year are presented to the
City Commission to facilitate interactive planning and further fine-tune operations needs
and priorities.
Public Hearings:
Three public hearings are held to invite public comment related to
the proposed fiscal year budget. The first hearing is held in July
to set the maximum millage rate, which is used to calculate property
taxes. The proposed budget is released for public viewing subsequent
to this hearing. The second and third public hearings occur in
September and focus on the detailed operating budget. An operating
budget must be adopted for the new fiscal year before October 1.
