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Consideration of a 2026 Budget Process Policy
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Submitted by:
John Ruggini, Finance Director
Department:
Finance Department
A. Background
Beginning in 2019, the Financial Affairs Committee has annually adopted a "Budget Process Policy" to set forth the principles and process for the adoption of the City’s operating and capital budgets.
The budget process is one of the most important decision-making processes undertaken by the elected officials. The Financial Affairs Committee annually adopts a budget policy outlining the principles and process for the adoption of the City’s operating and capital budget. This is done so that the decision points and roles of the committees and staff are clearly set forth to in order to ensure a fair process in which multiple points of view can be heard and considered and elected officials are provided necessary information for decision-making and staff have sufficient time to prepare.
The 2026 Budget Policy is attached for discussion and consideration. Changes from the 2025 policy have been red-lined, other than date changes which are also included here:
1. The tentative release of the Executive Budget will be September 30, 2025 with the following meeting dates:
a. Committee of the Whole, Tuesday, September 30 2025 - Executive Budget Overview
b. Financial Affairs Committee, Tuesday, October 7, 2025- Departmental Review
c. Financial Affairs Committee, Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - Continued Departmental Review
d. Financial Affairs Committee, Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Amendments and Adoption
e. Committee of the Whole, Tuesday, October 28 2025 - Capital Budget Overview
f. Public Hearing, Tuesday, October 28
g. Financial Affairs Committee, Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - Capital Budget Amendments and Adoption
h. Financial Affairs Committee, Tuesday, November 11, Operating/Capital Budget Additional Review if needed.
i. Budget Adoption, Tuesday, November 18
B. Recommendation
If acceptable, recommend the Common Council adopt the 2026 Budget Process Policy.