[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.