Page 106 - FY 2023-24 ADOPTED BUDGET

LONG-RANGE FINANCIAL FORECAST

BACKGROUND OF FINANCIAL FORECASTING IN BENBROOK

Benbrook initiated the City's long-range financial forecasting process in 1979 in conjunction with the first of several
bond issues. The first long-range financial forecast provided comprehensive General Fund revenue and expenditure
projections but did not analyze the financial condition of the City's other funds. Subsequent forecasts were
expanded to include the City's Debt Service Fund. The current forecast includes the General Fund and the Debt

Service Fund. Capital Projects Funds (Capital Improvement Projects, Special Assessment, Capital Asset
Replacement) are not addressed in the City's forecast since repayment of bonds takes place through the City's Debt
Service Fund. Grant Funds and Other Funds (TIF, Core Value, Stormwater Utility, Police Narcotics, HMOT, and EDC)
are not reflected in the Long-Range Financial Forecast. A separate Capital Improvements Report, required by City
Charter to be issued in December of each year, addresses possible Capital Projects Fund expenditures. All of these
documents stress the need for long-range financial planning and each document is used as a tool in planning the
budget.

The forecast included in the 2023-24 Budget follows the basic pattern of the previous forecasts. Some sections
have been expanded or revised to include the most pertinent and recent information. The current forecast has
been prepared to provide the following benefits to City leaders:

1) The forecast can be used by the City Council in orchestrating policy decisions with long-term implications.

2) The long-range forecast can serve as an aid to both elected and administrative officials in anticipating future
fiscal problems, so that strategies can be developed, and action implemented as soon as possible to correct

or counteract these potential difficulties.

3) The financial forecast can assist the City Manager as well as City departments in operational planning.

4) The forecast can result in more accurate estimates of revenues and expenditures during the budget process.

5) The forecast can indicate to the bond rating agencies and other interested parties that Benbrook does have
a systematic financial planning process in place.

6) The long-range financial forecast can help the general public understand the long-term costs associated
with current and proposed City activities and issues that may affect the municipal government of Benbrook.

7) The long-range forecast can also be used to ensure the City adheres to it Financial Policies on page 43,

91