Last night, June 7, 2017, the City of Mount Rainier passed its annual budget. According to Maryland law, the 157 municipalities must pass their budgets by June 30 of each year. This year's budget has a few changes about how money was allocated, and will probably be adjusted throughout the year based on actual revenues and spending.
As with all budgets, the City's budget is an estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of one year. Revenues and spending may vary. Some line items may be under budgeted while others may be over budgeted. However, a lot of homework and time is spent checking with appropriate funders to get the most accurate information on our revenue stream. With that information, the City Manager and staff develop a projection of expenditure based on the past and future needs. Mayor and Council then take the proposed budget and determine whether or not it meets the City's needs, goals, and expectations. Lots of debates, discussions, and consensus occur during this phase of budget development. Public hearings are held, and more changes are made.
In the final stage, corrections are made to the initial draft, and an ordinance is prepared that requires two public readings. At the very end of the process, the budget is passed, and in place for the upcoming fiscal year on July 1, 2016.
Many thanks to the staff for the work that they've done to put together a strong budget for 2017. KUDOS to the Council for being creative, receptive, and professional in the development of this year's budget.
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