General Budget Information
The City budget is the financial plan for the City's operating divisions for the coming year. The budget matches estimated revenues with projected expenditures to provide basic City services for that year. It also determines the General Fund property tax portion of the total City tax levy. The General Fund covers the operating divisions that provide basic City services such as police, fire, street and park maintenance, planning and zoning to name a few.

In August, the City Council holds several meetings to discuss the City Administrator's preliminary budget. After discussion and revision, the preliminary budget is approved by September 15, as per State Law. In December, also per State Law, a truth in taxation hearing is held for the public to be given an explanation of the proposed budget. The budget is then adopted at a December City Council meeting.

Annual Budget Schedule

January (5 year intervals plus new construction)
The City assessor sets the market value of each parcel of property in the City.

March
Stearns and Benton Counties send market value notices to all property owners in the City.

April/May
Board of review hears appeals of current market values.

May - June
Departments prepare annual budget requests for their operating divisions.

July-August
City Council holds workshops on budget requests and the finance department prepares recommended budget.

September
The City Council adopts proposed budget and tax levy, which is used as the basis for the proposed City tax included on the Truth in Taxation statements.

November
Stearns and Benton Counties mail the "The Truth in Taxation" notice for each parcel of property in the City. The notice indicates current year actual and next year proposed property tax for each taxing jurisdiction.

The City Council holds the "Truth in Taxation" public hearing on the budget. At a regular meeting in December, the budget and tax levy are adopted by the City Council.