*** Click here for the audio version.*** Budget time is upon us. If you ask most county officials what they look forward to each year, “budget season” probably doesn’t top the list, unless of course you consider spreadsheets and line items your ideas of a good time. And while we may joke about the “fun” of budgeting, the truth is, it remains one of the most important … [Read more...] about The County Budget and the Responsibility of Leadership
County Budget
Budget Funds
Can a county carry over unexpended budget funds or transfer budget funds? MAIN REFERENCE POINTS Local Government Code Section 111.004 Local Government Code Section 111.010 TALKING POINTS: Section 111.004, Local Government Code states that a county budget must include a financial statement of the county that shows:\the outstanding obligations of the … [Read more...] about Budget Funds
County Budget Serves as Communication Tool
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 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