Finance Department  

In a spirit of excellence, integrity, and dedication, the Finance Department is committed to providing timely, accurate, clear and complete information and support to other city departments, citizens, and the community at large.  The Finance Department has the fiduciary responsibility to safeguard the City’s financial assets and manage its financial resources in accordance with the goals of the City Council, City Manager and in compliance with applicable laws and generally accepted accounting and financial management principles.  The Department has direct responsibility for the City’s accounting system, revenues, treasury management, banking services, debt administration, and investment portfolio management, along with the coordination and implementation of related internal controls. In addition, the Finance Department provides financial oversight for the City’s comprehensive Risk Management and Employee Benefits Programs.

Finance  Department Structure 

The Budget

2009 Fiscal Year Budget Summary

While the City’s fiscal year begins on July 1^st, the budget process begins much earlier in March or April when the city staff begins to informally work with the City Manager to create an initial budget request. This document is then brought before the City Council in a series of budget workshops open to the public. At the budget workshop, questions are asked and requests are made by Council Members and the public. The budget is changed from the initial budget request and then sent to another workshop until the City Council and public are satisfied with it. The next step is for City Council to vote on it as a budget ordinance. It is given a first and second reading and then becomes the City’s new budget.