[1]
Editor's Note: For additional information
regarding the fiscal affairs of the County, see Administrative Code
Part 8.
The fiscal year of the County shall be the calendar
year unless otherwise provided by ordinance.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code § 5-801.01.
a)
The Manager shall prepare a comprehensive fiscal plan
each year consisting of the annual operating and capital budgets,
the two-year projected operating budget, the five-year capital improvement
plan and the budget message. The operating budget shall be prepared
in accordance with a nationally recognized standard and be based on
the premise that no appropriation in any given year is automatically
continued into subsequent years. The specific components of the comprehensive
fiscal plan shall be detailed in the Administrative Code.
b)
The Chief Executive shall appear before County Council
to present the budget message and to submit the comprehensive fiscal
plan no later than 75 days before the end of each fiscal year.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code §§ 5-801.02
through 5-801.04.
County Council shall hold a minimum of two public
hearings on the proposed operating and capital budgets at least two
weeks before their adoption. Copies of the budgets shall be made available
to the public at least one week before the hearings and after adoption.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code § 5-801.05.
a)
Upon completion of the hearings, but no later than
25 days before the end of the fiscal year, County Council shall adopt,
by resolution, balanced annual operating and capital budgets for the
next fiscal year. Before adoption, County Council may add, delete,
increase or decrease any appropriation item.
b)
Prior to the adoption of the annual operating budget,
County Council shall have adopted such rates of taxation that, together
with all other estimated revenue, shall raise a sufficient sum to
meet annual budgeted expenditures. Adoption of the annual operating
budget shall constitute the appropriation of the amounts specified
as expenditures from the funds indicated.
c)
All tax rates shall be adopted by ordinance. Real
estate tax rates and revenues shall be subject to the limitations
established in this Charter. Any ordinance changing the real estate
tax rates shall require an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds
of the seated Members.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code § 5-801.06.
Upon adoption or amendment of the annual operating
and capital budgets by County Council, the budgets shall be delivered
within three days to the Chief Executive who, within seven days thereafter,
may veto any item. If the Chief Executive vetoes any item, the Chief
Executive shall advise County Council in writing of the reason for
the veto. County Council may override the veto of the Chief Executive
within seven days by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of
the seated Members.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code § 5-801.07.
No expenditure of funds shall be made or authorized
in excess of the available unencumbered appropriations.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code §§ 5-801.09
and 5-801.10.
a)
County Council may, by resolution, amend the annual
operating budget during the first 35 days of each fiscal year in order
to correct technical errors and omissions. County Council may amend
the annual capital budget in accordance with the capital plan at any
time during the year. The amended operating and capital budgets shall
be balanced.
b)
County Council may, by resolution, amend the annual
operating budget during the first 35 days of the fiscal year following
a municipal election. County Council shall hold at least one public
hearing on the proposed amendments prior to adoption. The amended
annual operating budget shall be balanced.
c)
During any fiscal year, County Council may amend the
annual operating budget by resolution by an affirmative vote of at
least two-thirds of the seated Members and with the Chief Executive's
approval. The amended annual operating budget shall be balanced.
d)
County Council shall establish procedures in the Administrative
Code for making emergency appropriations.
e)
If at any time during the fiscal year it appears probable
to the Chief Executive that the revenues or fund balances available
will be insufficient to finance expenditures for which appropriations
have been authorized, the Chief Executive shall report this to County
Council in writing. The Chief Executive shall indicate the estimated
amount of the deficit, take remedial action and recommend other necessary
steps. County Council shall take such appropriate action as it deems
necessary to prevent or reduce any deficit.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code § 5-801.08.
Each annual operating budget appropriation shall
lapse at the close of the fiscal year to the extent it has not been
spent or encumbered. Any appropriation in the capital budget shall
continue in force until the purpose for which it was adopted has been
accomplished or abandoned.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code § 5-801.11.
The Chief Executive may transfer up to 20 percent
of any unencumbered appropriation balance within the same department
during the last four months of the fiscal year. County Council shall
be notified of such transfers before they occur. Upon the recommendation
of the Chief Executive, County Council, by resolution, may make transfers
within and between departments and agencies, or to any new account
at any time.
[1]
Editor's Note: See Administrative Code Art.
805.
An annual financial report shall be prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
The need for each County department, agency
and function shall be evaluated through a four year staggered sunset
review process. The procedures for the sunset review shall be established
in the Administrative Code.
