FY 2013 Operating Budget.pdf - Missouri City, TX - Official Website

============================ FY 2013 ANNUAL BUDGET ================================
Budgetary Compliance
Because budgetary compliance is significant in managing governmental activities, budgetary compliance
controls are critical. The objective of these controls is to ensure compliance with legal spending limits in
annual or project appropriated budgets approved by City Council. The City Charter provides that the City
Council shall adopt annual or project budgets every fiscal year for all City funds. The budgets are prepared and
maintained by City management.
Budgetary Controls
During the year, expenditure controls are maintained by each department with review of the budget provided
by the Finance Director and overall control exercised by the City Manager. Constant review of revenue and
expenditure estimates is performed to assure the integrity of the adopted budget and to assure funds are
available to meet current obligations. As a result of this review, it is possible to exercise administrative
budgetary controls throughout the year. As demonstrated by the financial statements presented in this report,
the City continues to meet its responsibility for sound financial management.
FINANCIAL POLICY PLAN
Financial policies and plans, listed below, are reviewed and adjusted yearly as needed to follow the City’s
Long-Term Plan and formally adopted by ordinance as part of this budget document. The established longrange
policies regarding financial management are to retain a sound financial condition, strive to retain the
best possible bond rating on bonds, and provide future generations with the ability to borrow capital for
construction of facilities and street and drainage improvements without severe financial burden. These goals
will be accomplished by:
1. Prudent budgeting and effective budget control.
2. Maintaining stable property tax rates while maintaining quality employees and reliability of City
services.
3. Maintaining the General Fund Balance between 15 percent and 25 percent of estimated revenues to
assure adequate reserve for emergencies.
4. Maintaining the police response time at relatively the same level as in previous years.
5. Manning the fire stations with personnel to adequately respond to fire calls while providing police
officers to patrol the neighborhoods. Enhanced fire prevention training for community by fire
personnel.
6. Continued commitment to the capital maintenance program for City streets.
7. Continued emphasis on the mowing and maintenance of City esplanades and parks.
8. Economic development will continue to be a top priority of the City in order to encourage commercial
and industrial development.
9. Pay as you go financing of capital improvements where feasible while planning for capital
improvements on a five-year basis and updated annually. Minor equipment needs may be financed
through lease/purchase arrangements or the issuance of certificates of obligation if properly planned.
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