The Government Finance Officers Association’s (GFOA’s) nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation assess how well an entity’s budget serves as: a policy document; a financial plan; an operations guide; and a communications device. McLennan County excelled in each area and received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for … [Read more...] about County Budget Serves as Communication Tool
County Budget
County Budget Preparation Under Senate Bill 2
Early Coordination, Continual Communication Keys to Navigating New Process
“You’re going to have to start earlier and inform other departments. This is not a Commissioners Court problem. This is a county problem.” CJCAT General Counsel Jim Allison The new requirements resulting from Senate Bill 2 passed by the 86th Texas Legislature have compressed budget-related deadlines and will require careful coordination and systematic … [Read more...] about County Budget Preparation Under Senate Bill 2
County Budget Calendar Guides Complex Process 2019
On March 13th, the Grimes County Commissioners Court voted to officially approve the Fiscal Year 2020 Grimes County Budget Calendar. Acting on a suggestion made at training for new officials in January, County Judge Joe Fauth III brought the comprehensive, color-coded calendar to court. “The budget process is extremely important because we are charged with spending the … [Read more...] about County Budget Calendar Guides Complex Process 2019
County Budget Spotlight
Crafting a Budget in a High-Growth County By Julie Anderson, Editor “Fort Bend County is, and has been for many years, a high-growth county. In the 13 years I’ve been County Judge, we’ve added 400,000 to our population to now exceed 725,000 residents. That growth provides our greatest challenge as we strive to accomplish as much as possible in our areas of responsibility … [Read more...] about County Budget Spotlight
Defining the County Budget
Legal document...approved expenditures...statement of revenue...expenses and fund balances While these somewhat clinical descriptions of the county budget are certainly valid, the budget document embodies much more to Commissioners Courts and the constituents they serve. The facts and figures in the Texas county budget often epitomize a way of life…or at least an intended … [Read more...] about Defining the County Budget