Upcoming Dates

2010/2011 Budget Hearing Meeting Dates

Notice is hereby given that Finance Chair, Daniel Davis will meet with the Finance Committee members in Council Chambers located at 117 W. Duval St., 1st Floor, St. James Building on the following dates to discuss the 2010-2011 Budget.

Thurs., 8/12/10 – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Thurs., 8/19/10 – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Thurs., 8/26/10 – 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

The 2010 City Budget Workshops have concluded and the Final Report can be downloaded from the Resources page.

Budget Decision Makers

The budget is a document crafted by many people. Here’s what the major players in that process do to create a budget.

  • The Mayor – Once the divisions and departments have submitted budget requests, the mayor and his staff review the requests and draft a preliminary budget. This year the mayor’s preliminary budget will be submitted to City Council on May 1. The mayor must present a final proposed budget to the City Council by July 15. The Mayor’s Office then works closely with council as it begins reviewing the proposed budget. After City Council approves the budget, the mayor signs it into law.
  • The City Council – Receives the mayor’s proposed budget, reviews the submittal and votes on a maximum millage (or property tax) rate. The City Council Finance Committee reviews the proposed budget, meets with department heads and divisions chiefs and makes changes to reflect its priorities. Its recommendations are presented to the City Council as a whole and after two open public meetings, it votes on the budget. The balanced budget must be approved by Oct. 1.
  • Council Auditor – Works with the City Council Finance Committee and the full City Council throughout the budget process to ensure that its changes keep the proposed budget balanced.
  • Finance Department – Works with the Mayor’s Office to ensure its proposed budget is balanced. It also works with the Council Auditor to make sure that the budget remains balanced throughout the process.
  • Citizens – Are invited to engage in the budget process in a number of ways. Citizens can attend budget workshops, contact the city with thoughts or priorities for funding or attend the City Council’s Finance Committee budget deliberations.