The fiscal year of the Town shall be the Uniform
Fiscal Year as prescribed by the C.G.S.
Developing a budget proposal is the responsibility
of the Town Manager with policy guidance from the Town Council. Participating
in the process, from the presentation of the Manager's budget proposal
to the Town Council to the final adoption of the budget, is the right
and responsibility of the citizens of Mansfield. The Town staff shall
assist the Council and provide information publicly throughout the
budget process.
Annually, at the time determined by the Council,
the Manager shall present to the Council a budget proposal consisting
of:
A. A budget message outlining the financial situation
of the Town government and describing the important features of the
budget plan.
B. The budget of the Board of Education as submitted
to the Manager, along with whatever analysis or comment the Manager
wishes to provide.
C. Statements of the Manager's proposed operating program
and expenditures for the Town functions and Town-supported functions,
other than those of the Board of Education, along with comparisons
of amounts expended in the last completed fiscal year and estimated
amounts to be expended in the current fiscal year.
D. Information on amounts of revenue other than property
taxes collected, by source, in the last completed fiscal year, estimates
for the current year and for the ensuing year, along with information
and estimates regarding property tax revenues for the same periods.
E. Statements of the condition and estimated condition
of the Town funds and of the debt service obligations of the Town,
as well as a list of proposed capital improvements to be undertaken
during the ensuing fiscal year or later years, and the proposed methods
of financing them.
F. Such other information as will assist the Council
and the voting residents of Mansfield in deciding on an annual appropriation
and a capital improvement program.
During the budget adoption process, the Town
Council shall hold at least two Town Budget Information Meetings.
At least 10 days prior to each meeting, the Town Council shall widely
distribute budget information and notice of the meeting. The Town
Council shall adopt a proposed budget, including a recommended appropriation
act, by May 1.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §
C406, the Council, after approval of consecutive actions of the Council and a Town Meeting, may authorize, in any one fiscal year, the issuance of bonds and borrowing in anticipation of bonds, and the appropriation of the proceeds thereof, in an aggregate amount not to exceed 1% of the annual budget. The authorization, in any one fiscal year, of the issuance of bonds and borrowing in anticipation of bonds, and the appropriation of proceeds thereof, in an amount exceeding 1% of the annual budget may be approved by consecutive favorable action of the Council and a referendum of the voters of the Town if the favorable vote is at least 15% of the voters on the revised registry list last completed.
The Council shall set the tax rate after the
annual budget has been determined and the grand list has been completed.
For the purpose of meeting a public emergency
or disaster threatening the lives, health or property of citizens,
emergency appropriations may be made by the Town Manager. The Town
Manager shall advise the Council of such actions at the earliest possible
date following the declaration of an emergency or disaster by the
Town Manager. The Council may affirm the Town Manager's actions and
may also declare the time at which the emergency or disaster ceases
to exist.