Budget Process

In accordance with the provisions of the City Charter, a budget is adopted by the Plano City Council annually for the new fiscal year beginning October 1. To ensure that the budget provides the programs and quality services within the resources available to the City, and that it reflects the Mayor's and Council's objectives, the budget goes through an annual process. The process culminating in the budget adoption involves a high level of communication among the citizens, City Council, City Manager, and City Departments.

The 2005-06 Budget Process is outlined below:

OPERATING BUDGET CALENDAR
JANUARY	Budget & Research Department distributes instructions and projection forms to Departments for the assimilation of information necessary for the Five-Year Financial Forecast & Status Report. City Manager meets with Budget & Research Department to develop broad budget goals and strategy.
FEBRUARY	Budget & Research Department begins preparation of the Five-Year Financial Forecast & Status Report. Budget & Research Department issues preliminary instructions for requesting internal review items. Preliminary Personnel requests are submitted to Information Services, Human Resources and the City Manager.
MARCH	Budget & Research Department prepares revenue projections and economic assumptions. Budget & Research Department gives status of the Community Investment Program to the City Manager. Budget & Research Department presents Five-Year Financial Forecast & Status Report to Council for review and input. Budget & Research Department provides training to Departments.
APRIL	Budget & Research Department re-assesses revenue estimates for the current and upcoming year and advises the City Manager of these changes. Departments begin preparation of their budgets. Budget & Research Department gives informational budget presentations to departments that request it.
MAY	Citizen input meetings are held within the community. Budget & Research Department reviews departmental submittals to ensure budgets are within defined targets, prepares analyses for management, and revises preliminary forecasts, accordingly. Executive Director meets with individual Department heads to discuss budget submittals. City Council holds general discussion regarding items to be considered in the budget.
JUNE	Budget & Research Department compiles budget submissions and presents City Manager with overview of budget, tax rate options, and analysis of City's financial condition. City Manager meets with individual Department heads to discuss Recommended Budget and Community Investment Program.
JULY	Recommended Budget and Community Investment Program are presented to City Council and made available to public.
AUGUST	Public Hearings and Town Hall Meetings are conducted on the Recommended Budget and Community Investment Program. Council holds worksessions to discuss outstanding Budget issues.
SEPTEMBER	Council approves ordinances adopting the budgets and setting the tax rate.
OCTOBER	Budget & Research Department develops final budget documents.
NOVEMBER	Budget submitted to GFOA for review.
DECEMBER	Budget & Research Department starts preparing information for the Five-Year Financial Forecast & Status Report.