A Look at the 2012-2013 Budget Process | Events

From: http://www.ci.wyoming.mi.us

If you have attended or viewed a City Council meeting recently chances are you have heard Mayor Jack Poll say, "We can provide services at any level, but we need our residents to let us know at what level they want their services provided."

City of Wyoming Director of Finance Tim Smith agrees. "Right now is the perfect time for residents to take a look at the materials we have provided on the website, www.wyomingmi.gov, and provide feedback about City services for the 2012-2013 budget," Smith said. "The website offers the current audit report, the 2011-2012 budget and a dashboard for increased transparency reporting. The dashboard includes revenue, expenses and debt information as well as the fund balance. Pretty much, all of the funds supported by property taxes."

The final budget will be approved during the May 21, 2012, City Council meeting, which follows a public hearing on May 5 that will offer citizens an opportunity to comment on the proposed budget.

Prior to the approval of the 2011-2012 budget City Manager Curtis Holt said, "For the City Council, the budget represents the most complex and comprehensive policy statement it will make in any one year. The budget holds the funding for all of the services the City expects to deliver in a fiscal year and, as a result, it provides limitations (funding) or exclusions (no funding provided). It can also provide funding for new programs or services if that appropriation is approved in the budget document."

One of the greatest challenges the City faces each year is to develop a balanced budget that provides the City services required by residents at the desired level. "There is only so much money available and we have to prioritize services in a way that fits within the constraints of what is financially possible," Smith said.

"We are glad to hear from residents during this process. I also encourage people to attend the May 5 meeting and share what services and programs they care about."