Budget
Mission Statement
The Budget Office of Broome County Government facilitates the optimal use of the public’s financial resources and provides timely and useful budget information to the County Executive, Legislature, Department Heads, community and constituents.
Description
The Budget Office is responsible for the direction, organization and implementation of a financial plan for the operation of Broome County government. This entails financial direction, preparation and review of departmental budgets and the preparation of an annual financial plan for the County. The Budget Office is also responsible for the control and maintenance of the county fiscal program covering both the operating budget and capital expenditure provisions. All budgetary activities are coordinated by this office and integrated into a unified plan so that expenditures can be controlled effectively and efficiently within fiscal guidelines and legislated appropriations for each agency or program. In addition, the budgetary staff acts as liaisons between departments and the County Executive with respect to financial, budgetary and program issues.
2009 Budget Highlights
These last four years have seen some major challenges and some major successes. Our economy is struggling. We are seeing higher unemployment rates. The national economy is putting a freeze on most financing opportunities for new and existing businesses. Fuel prices in the past year have shot up to levels beyond where anyone thought it was possible to reach. Healthcare costs continue their climb and New York State is in financial distress.
Yet in the face of all of these challenges, we have been able to deliver a budget with a tax rate that reflects the cost of living. This is not a fluke and this is not the result of any gimmicks or tricks. This budget is the result of this administration’s solid financial strategy.
In accordance with managing county finances in a more responsible manner, a 2.77% increase in property taxes is proposed. This means an additional $36 dollars to the average homeowner and represents approximately $350M in appropriations for Broome County’s next fiscal year.
In addition to the 2.77% tax rate increase, we have been able to set aside $1.25M in a tax stabilization fund. As we move forward, this important strategy will help minimize any unforeseen financial hits to our County.
Related Budget Publications
The following publications relate to Broome County Government's operating budgets:
CIP Capital Improvements Program
Broome Community College
Budget Process Overview
- Budget Office meets with all department heads and provides the memo of expectations, and the budget packets.
- Each department analyzes it's needs and creates a requested budget.
- Departments present the requested budget to the budget office for review.
- After reviewing the requests the Budget Office meets one-on-one with each department head and their fiscal representatives to garner justification for the requests.
- The Budget Office makes adjustments to the departments requests.
- The Budget Office and the County Executive review all requests and adjustments to finalize a recommended budget to present to the legislative body.
- Legislators on the Fiance Committee review the recommended budget and meet with department heads and the Budget Office for justification.
- The Finance Committee make adjustments if necessary and present a report to the full legislative body.
- The Legislature reviews all recommendations and makes adjustments as necessary.
- The Legislature votes on the budget with all adjustments included.
- The County Executive has the ability to veto any of the adjustments to the recommended budget.
- The Legislature has one final opportunity to overturn any vetos.
- The budgted is adopted and ratified.
Copyright
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