Page 106 - FY 2024-25 ADOPTED BUDGET
P. 106

One major project that was completed in FY 2020-21 was the construction of the Clearfork Emergency Access
        Bridge. This project was fully funded as a “Pay-As-You-Go” project out of the Capital Projects Fund.

        The Asset Replacement fund and Capital Projects fund are both “Pay-As-You-Go” funds and budgeted on a project
        basis and not by fiscal year. Future capital purchases have minimul effect on the General Fund.


                                     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 2024-25 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,

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