Page 149 - Haltom City FY19 Annual Budget

The City will strive to maintain accounting policies and practices in the preparation of its annual
financial report. The report will be presented to the Government Finance Officers Association
for review of qualifications that meet those necessary to obtain the Certificate of Achievement
for Excellence in Financial Reporting. In addition, the City will submit its annual budget to GFOA
for review to receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

Staffing. Staffing levels shall be adequate for the departments of the City to function effectively.
Overtime shall be used only to address temporary or seasonal demands that require excessive
hours. Possible ways to increase efficiency shall be explored before adding staff. However, the
staffing levels shall not be inadequate or marginal such that the City’s internal controls are
jeopardized.

Revenue Objectives

Revenue System. The City shall strive to operate a revenue system that is simple and reliable
so assurances can be provided that the revenue base will materialize according to budget
planning. Consistent monitoring and collection policies will be maintained to ensure the integrity
of the revenue system. Revenue collections will be consolidated under the finance department.

Revenue Analysis. Monthly reports shall be prepared to compare actual revenues to budget and
to determine the variances and associated corrective action necessary. These reports will be
presented to the City Council in open session.

Fee Schedule. The City will maintain a centralized list of fees adopted by ordinance and updated
annually by resolution. Each year the City will review its fee structure to ensure that revenue
collections are adequate to meet corresponding expenditures (cost of service concept). Such
reviews will be conducted in concert with the budget preparation process.

Administrative/Internal Services. The Enterprise Funds, being the Water & Sewer Fund and the
Drainage Utility Fund, engage in transactions with other funds of the City. All services rendered
by this fund for other funds of the governmental jurisdiction should be billed at pre-determined
rates, and all services received by this fund from other funds should be paid for on the same
basis that other users are charged.

Franchise Fees. The Enterprise Funds will pay a franchise fee based on the same rationale as
used with the electric, gas, and telephone companies. A franchise fee is paid to compensate
the City for public property, street and alley usage.

Expenditure Objectives

Interim Reporting. Monthly reports shall be prepared showing actual expenditures compared to
original budget. Each monthly report will contain an executive summary disclosing significant
trends affecting the financial performance of the City. These reports will be presented to the City
Council in open session.

Budget Amendments. Modifications to the approved annual budget may be made within the
following specific guidelines. Modifications within the operating categories (supplies,
maintenance, services, and sundry) may be made with Finance Director approval. Modifications
within the personnel and capital categories may be made with the approval of the City Manager.
Modifications to reserve categories, inter-fund totals, or overall budget increases shall be done

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