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ADOPTED | BUDGET

Budget Process

The City’s budget represents the culmination of months of preparation and discussion among the City
Council and City staff regarding the best ways to provide high quality services to the community at the
greatest value. The process for developing the City’s annual budget is a nearly year-round effort spanning
December through September of each fiscal year.

Beginning in December City staff evaluate internal service needs related to facilities, technology and
equipment. These needs are submitted for evaluation to identify priority and gather cost data for
consideration during the budget process. During January through February staff start preparation of the
initial outlook for infrastructure and major capital needs over the next three year and ten year periods. All of
this information is then submitted to the Budget Office and City Manager’s Office for review in early
February.

In March the Operating Budget Process kicks off with key staff meeting with the Budget Office and City
Manager’s Office to discuss a high level overview of the key challenges expected over the coming fiscal
year and to provide guidance on budget expectations. The Budget Office provides the Budget Information
Manual, necessary forms and data to assist City Department’s in preparing their current year forecasts and
proposed budgets. Budget submissions are then due at the end of March.

Beginning in April and lasting through early June the City Manager’s Office and Budget Office reviews
budget submissions and requests. Review meetings are held with the Assistant City Manager’s and
Departments with a final round of review meetings held with the City Manager, Departments, and Budget
Office. During these reviews decisions are made on budget requests that will be included as part of the
proposed budget to submit to City Council.

In June through July staff holds a mid-year budget review and two of three budget work sessions with City
Council to review forecasts for the year-end, major budgetary impacts expected in the upcoming fiscal
year, and the capital budget. On July 25th the Certified Tax Roll is received from the Tarrant County
Appraisal District. In late July the final budget work session is held with the City Council to review the
proposed operating budget, capital budget, and tax rate. After thorough review and input, the proposed
budget is finalized and filed with the City Secretary. In the next available City Council meeting the date and
times of the public hearings for the operating budget, capital budget, and tax rates are set.

In late July through early August, the City holds one public hearing on the budget and at least one public
hearing (two when required) on the tax rate to receive public input. After receiving public input the City
Council will vote to adopt the revised and proposed annual operating budget, capital budget, and tax rate
either the first or second August City Council meeting. The Adopted Budget and tax rate go into effect
October 1st for the start of the new fiscal year.

Budget Amendment Process

Amendments to the budget can be made after adoption. According to Article XII, Section 4 of the City Charter,
the City Manager shall authorize no expenditure over the total funds for expenditure in the overall budget
unless the budget is amended by the same public notice procedure called for in adopting the budget.

97 NRH | TEXAS