Fiscal Year 2013-2015 Special Budget Meeting

BUDGET GUIDE such as fringe benefit rates for retirement and health care. The comparison of expected revenues and expenditures in the baseline budget is what defines whether the City will have a surplus or shortfall to address in the proposed budget. Jan-Mar 2013: Internal Analysis After the development of the baseline budget, the City Administrator’s Office directs, through “budget instructions,” the departments to submit requests for changes to the baseline budget. Departmental requests can include changes such as new programs, increased appropriations, reduced expenditures, reorganizations, or shifting appropriations from one program or service to another. The Controller’s Office conducts in-depth analysis of each budget request to assess the value and confirm the fiscal feasibility. Based on the analysis, the Controller’s Office provides recommendations to the City Administrator. The City Administrator and key staff hold internal budget hearings with department directors and their staff to discuss proposals. The City Administrator makes preliminary budget decisions based on the internal hearings, additional analysis, and the Mayor’s priorities. Mar -Apr 2013: Proposed Budget Finalized The City Administrator provides a preliminary budget proposal to the Mayor. The Mayor weighs options, conducts additional analysis, considers Council, community, and other stakeholder input, and issues a final Proposed Policy Budget in April. Budget Adoption Apr-May 2013: Community Input City Council members hold community meetings to obtain input from constituents on FY 2013-15 budget priorities and to understand questions and concerns pertaining to the Administration’s proposed budget. May-June 2013: Council Deliberations Upon presentation of the proposed budget, the Mayor and City Council conduct a series of public hearings to review the FY 2013-15 proposed budget. June 2013: Council Budget Adoption As required by the City Charter, the City Council will adopt a balanced budget by June 30, preceding the start of the fiscal year commencing July 1. The adopted budget provides two-year appropriation authority for all funds, and first- and second-year appropriations for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The CIP appropriations are outlined in two annual spending plans for FY 2013-15. Budget Amendment Apr-June 2014: Midcycle Budget Amendment Toward the end of the first year of the two-year cycle, the Mayor and Council conduct a mid-cycle budget review to address variances in estimated revenues, estimated expenditures, and other changes to the City’s financial condition. For the FY 2013-15 budget cycle, the mid-cycle review will take place in March-June 2014, and will pertain to revenues and expenditures for FY 2014-15 (i.e. the second year of the biennial budget). B - 2