1A. Explain the following about the budget process where you work (or live).
Where is the budget function located?
Do elected officials change proposed expenditures and/or revenues during their review process?
Is your operating budget handled differently than your capital budget?
What socio-economic factors influence the budget process?
What type of budget format does your agency/organization use?
What feedback do department managers receive throughout the year on their departmental budgets?
What feedback do elected officials receive throughout the year on the organization-wide budget?
What two (2) national best practices in “budgeting and fiscal policy” did you review from the GFOA website?
1B. Please watch the short video: City of Santa Rosa, CA, Budget Overview (Part I) and then answer the questions below:
After viewing the video, please discuss:
(i) Do you think that this presentation contained a good overview of the city’s revenues and expenses? What would you recommend to improve upon this speech?
(ii) Two-thirds voter approval is needed to approve a new tax in the State of California. Do you think that it should be a simple majority to adopt a new tax?
(iii) Do you think that user fees and charges should be cost-covering? What recommendations would you suggest to accommodate low-income people and senior citizens on fixed-income.
2A. Explain the following about the budget process where you work (or live).
What do you think the “ideal” role of the budget office should be?
Briefly describe a “modern” budget office, compared with a “traditional” one?
What criteria do you think should be included in budget development guidelines?
What is the CEO “looking for” when she/he reviews department budget requests?
How is your proposed budget reviewed by the legislative body?
What is the role of citizens in your budget process?
What two (2) national best practices in “budgeting and fiscal policy” did you review from the GFOA website?
Sample Solution
