FY 2025 BUDGET BOOK - Flipbook - Page 91
➢
Public Input: The City encourages public participation and transparency by having public
hearings to discuss the budget. Public hearings provide the opportunity for residents to voice
their preferences and concerns.
➢
Refinement and Approval: Budget proposals are refined based on stakeholder input and
discussions. The final budget is then presented to the City Commission for approval.
Budgetary Support for Organizational and Community Goals:
The City budget serves as a financial blueprint that supports both the City’s goals and the
broader goals of City residents. It outlines how financial resources will be allocated to various
programs, services, and initiatives to achieve specific outcomes. The budget plays a crucial role in
supporting both organizational and community goals:
➢ Alignment: Budget decisions are closely tied to the City’s strategic goals and priorities. Funds
are allocated to programs and initiatives that directly contribute to achieving these goals.
➢ Resource Allocation: The budget provides the necessary financial resources for essential
services such as public safety, roads and streets, parks and recreation, infrastructure
maintenance, and more. Allocating resources to these areas enhances the quality of life for
residents and supports community growth and development.
➢ Strategic Initiatives: The City sets aside resources for strategic initiatives that address specific
challenges or opportunities within the community. This could include economic development
projects, environmental sustainability efforts and community engagement programs.
➢ Innovation: The budget can fund innovation and technological advancements, allowing the City
to stay competitive and provide modern services to its residents. Investment in innovative
technologies, digital platforms, and improved communication channels enhance efficiency and
accessibility.
➢ Safety and Security: Adequate funding for public safety, emergency response services and
disaster preparedness ensures the safety and security of the City and enhances the sense of
well-being for our residents.
➢
Equity and Social Services: Budget decisions also play a role in promoting equity and inclusion.
Funds can be allocated to support underserved populations, improve access to resources and
address disparities within the community.
➢
Accountability and Reporting: The budget establishes a framework for accountability as
expenditures are tracked and measured against expected outcomes. Transparent reporting
ensures that the City can assess how resources are being utilized to support their priorities.
The process of making budget decisions is a vital component of governance that directly impacts
the well-being of both the City and the residents it serves. By aligning resources with organizational
goals, prioritizing community needs, and fostering transparency and public engagement, the City
can effectively allocate funds to support a thriving and sustainable community.
Budget Procedures
Florida Statute Sec. 166.241 requires that municipalities establish a fiscal year beginning October
1 and ending September 30. In accordance with the Charter of the City of Eustis, the City Manager
shall prepare and recommend to the City Commission a budget for the next succeeding fiscal year.
The City of Eustis’ annual budget is a public policy process resulting in a fiscal plan for the allocation
of the City’s resources to achieve results in specific programs. The Finance Department coordinates
the budget process which begins in February and ends in September. This process combines
financial forecasting and fiscal strategizing to identify challenges, opportunities, causes of fiscal
imbalances, and the development of a long-term financial plan that ensures fiscal sustainability. The
process is designed to identify service need requirements, develop strategies to meet those needs,
provide available resources, and allocate appropriations to execute a plan to meet the service needs
89
