• • Describe the context of public finance administration, the budget cycle, and the role of budgeting in Garner, North Carolina.
• • How is the budget prepared and approved? What town leaders and elected officials are involved? Where might conflict exist in the process and how might if be resolved?
• • What is the role of various taxes, fees, and other revenue sources in Garner?
• • Can you determine if taxes are being leveraged for local economic development and/or political purposes?
• • What can you assess about the budget implementation process and how the town budget is managed?
• • Does the town appear to plan and budget for capital improvements?
The context of public finance administration
Full Answer Section
Budget cycle in Garner The budget cycle in Garner begins in the spring of each year. At this time, the Town Council issues a call for departments to submit their budget requests. The departments then prepare their budget requests based on their needs and priorities. Once the budget requests are submitted, the Town Manager reviews them and prepares a proposed budget for the Town Council. The proposed budget is presented to the Town Council in the summer of each year. The Town Council then holds public hearings to get input from residents on the budget. After the public hearings, the Town Council may make changes to the budget and then adopt the final budget. Role of budgeting in Garner Budgeting is an important tool for the Town of Garner to achieve its goals and priorities. The budget helps the town to allocate its resources efficiently and effectively. It also helps the town to plan for the future and to ensure that it has the resources it needs to provide services to its residents. How is the budget prepared and approved? What town leaders and elected officials are involved? The budget is prepared by the Town Manager and approved by the Town Council. The Town Manager is responsible for overseeing the town's day-to-day operations and for developing the proposed budget. The Town Council is a seven-member body that is elected by the residents of Garner. The Town Council is responsible for adopting the annual budget, setting tax rates, and approving major expenditures. Where might conflict exist in the process and how might if be resolved? Conflict may exist in the budget process between different departments that are competing for resources. It may also exist between the Town Council and the Town Manager if the Town Council is not satisfied with the proposed budget. To resolve conflict, the Town Council and the Town Manager may meet to discuss their concerns and to try to reach a compromise. The Town Council may also hold public hearings to get input from residents on the budget. This feedback can help the Town Council to make informed decisions about the budget. What is the role of various taxes, fees, and other revenue sources in Garner? The Town of Garner generates revenue from a variety of sources, including property taxes, sales taxes, income taxes, fees, and fines. Property taxes are the town's largest source of revenue. Sales taxes are the second-largest source of revenue. Income taxes are the third-largest source of revenue. Fees and fines are also important sources of revenue for the town. Can you determine if taxes are being leveraged for local economic development and/or political purposes? The Town of Garner does not leverage taxes for political purposes. However, the town does use taxes to support local economic development. For example, the town offers tax breaks to businesses that create new jobs in the town. The town also invests in infrastructure and other projects that support economic development. Here are some specific examples of how the Town of Garner uses taxes to support local economic development:- The town offers a property tax break to businesses that create new jobs.
- The town invests in infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, that support businesses.
- The town provides grants and loans to businesses that are expanding or creating new jobs.
- The town promotes the town as a great place to do business.