Frequently Asked Questions

The budget is an important policy document that shows citizens the city’s financial status and the priorities set by the City Council. The purpose of the budget is to summarize annual projected future income and spending. This tool helps the city make responsible financial decisions as it delivers services. When looking at a budget, citizens can see sources of income (revenues) and how the city plans to spend its money (expenditures). View the city's budgets.

Understanding how the budget is organized provides important information about where money comes from and how it is spent. Revenues are organized by funds which keep money separate by specific purpose. For example, the general fund is the city's largest fund and it pays for the general operating costs of the government. Alternatively, the stormwater funds ensures that the money collected through stormwater sales tax will be used strictly for stormwater improvements.

Expenditures are organized by department and by detail that describes how money is spent. Expenditures tell citizens about the city's priorities because it shows where money is being spent. Some departments also have large budgets to pay off long-term debt.

View the city's budgets.

Every year city staff and elected officials work together to make the annual budget. The city’s budget follows the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. Staff begins preparing budgets about 6 months before the end of the year, and the City Council holds public budget meetings starting in the fall. Citizens are encouraged to participate. Visit the city’s website during October for more information.

By Charter, the City Council must vote to adopt the budget by ordinance before January 1. Adopting the budget preauthorizes staff to spend money as described in that year’s budget.