The Mechanics of Your Municipal Budget / August 19 and 21, 2024 / Virtual

This course will be delivered in two 3-hour sessions:

First session is on August 19 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon

Second session is on August 21 from 9:00 to Noon

There is no session on August 20.

The Annual Budget is one of the greatest “necessary evils” in the operation of government, but essential to align the goals and objectives of elected/appointed officials with the operations and service delivery from municipal staff. Managing the lengthy and data-intense budgetary process, and then monitoring after adoption ensures that municipal leaders can assess reserves and fund capital investments as well as day-to-day operations.

This virtual training course is designed to help municipal officials define key concepts of managing the budgetary process, including developing a detailed budgetary calendar, DCED Chart of Accounts use, selecting appropriate budgetary strategies, and complying with all legal statues along with way to adoption (and, as necessary, amendment). Real world examples are used throughout the course.

PLEASE NOTE:  This course is interactive to give you the best learning experience possible.  It will be conducted via Zoom.  You will need to be able to:  Raise your hand, mute/unmute, use chat

Targeted Audience:

• Treasurers
• Managers
• Administrators
• Auditor
• Elected and Appointed Officials
• Department Heads

Course Topics: 

• Balanced Budgets and Solvency
• Core Budget Purpose
• Fund Accounting Primer
• Types of Budgets
• Role of the Preparer/Administrator in the Budgetary Process
• Role of the Governing Body in the Budgetary Process
• Amending the Budget
• Standardized System of Accounting (DCED Chart of Accounts)
• Presenting the Budget
• Capital Budgeting
• Avoiding Budgetary Pitfalls and Key Budgetary Take-Aways

The Mechanics of Your Municipal Budget course aims to equip municipal officials with essential skills and knowledge for managing the budgetary process effectively.  Here are the key learning objectives:

Understanding Budgetary Concepts: Define key concepts of managing the budgetary process, including developing a detailed budgetary calendar and using the DCED Chart of Accounts

Budget Strategies: Select appropriate budgetary strategies and comply with all legal statutes throughout the adoption and amendment process

Balanced Budgets and Solvency: Develop a balanced budget and maintain solvency

Fund Accounting Primer: Define fund accounting and your role in it

Roles in Budgeting: Describe the roles of the preparer/administrator and the governing body in the budgetary process

Standardized Accounting Systems: Use the standardized system of accounting (DCED Chart of Accounts).

Capital Budgeting: Identify the principles of capital budgeting.

Course Schedule: