Budget Process

Budget Process

• The city's fiscal year begins on July 1 of the previous year and ends on June 30 of the current year. For example, fiscal year 2025 (FY2025) begins on July 1, 2024 and ends on June 30, 2025.
• The budget process begins in the fall when the Budget Division issues a request for departmental revenue estimates. The information submitted by the departments will be incorporated into the Budget Division's initial revenue estimate for the coming fiscal year.
• At the same time the department heads are asked to identify any new initiatives or programs so that they may be included in the budget planning process.
• In January, having arrived at a preliminary revenue estimate for the coming fiscal year and incorporating any new initiatives or areas that will experience an increase in costs, the Budget Division issues budget allocations to departments.
• Departments respond by submitting their budget requests and service level information to the Budget Division.
• In February, the Budget Division holds budget meetings with the departments and the administration to discuss budget requests and, where necessary, reconcile discrepancies between allocations and requests.
• Revenue estimates are continually updated throughout this period. In March, departmental budget proposals are adjusted to reflect the latest revenue projections.
• In April, the Budget Division prepares the budget document and submits its proposed budget to the Board of Estimate and Apportionment (E&A), comprised of the Mayor, the Comptroller and the President of the Board of Aldermen. The Board of E&A reviews the proposed budget, holds hearings with departments and conducts a public hearing at which citizens may voice their concerns. Following the hearings, the Board of E&A may recommend changes to the proposed budget.

Next Steps ‑ Charter Requirements

• The Board of E&A must submit its proposed budget to the Board of Aldermen not less than 60 days prior to the beginning of the fiscal year, or May 1.                         
• During May and June, the Budget and Public Employees Committee (formerly known as Ways and Means) of the Board of Aldermen conducts public hearings on each segment of the proposed budget prior to taking any action. The proposed budget is reviewed and then considered by the Board of Aldermen.
• The Board of Aldermen may reduce the amount of any item in a budget bill, except amounts fixed by statute or ordinance obligations. The Board of Aldermen may not increase any appropriation amount nor insert new items unless specifically approved by the Board of E&A. (As a general rule, should increases for particular items be desired, the Budget and Public Employees Committee will submit a list of items for the Board of E&A to consider, with which it may or may not agree.)
• If the Board of E&A does not submit its proposed budget to the Board of Aldermen by May 1, the Budget Director would be required to submit a budget directly to the Board of Aldermen.
• If the Board of Aldermen does not approve a budget by the beginning of the fiscal year, the proposed budget by the Board of E&A or, in its absence, the submission by the Budget Director, shall be deemed to have been approved by the Board of Aldermen.

Budget / Operating Plan Administration

• As needs arise during the fiscal year, limited transfers within or among departments or funds may occur with approval of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Any accruing or unappropriated City revenue may be appropriated by ordinance recommended by the Board of E&A and passed by the Board of Aldermen.

Budget Process Chart / Timeline

View an illustration of the City's budget process & timeline >>