Town Budget Process

In December current fiscal year revenues and expenditures are reviewed to see if adjustment to the annual budget are required. If changes are needed, they are usually discussed at the January Council meeting. An ordinance making the agreed-to changes is then introduced in the February Council meeting and adopted in the March meeting.

While reviewing the current fiscal year’s budget, estimates as to the next year’s revenues and expenditures are also developed. Town committees, residents, and Councilmembers bring forward proposals for both operating and capital expenditures. A draft budget for the up-coming fiscal year is typically presented at the February Council meeting with detailed discussion taking place at a Council Budget Workshop that usually takes place in late February. An agreed-to budget is introduced as an ordinance in the March Council meeting and adopted in the April meeting.