Budget review commission gets citywide budget primer; asks staff to prioritize capital, public safety and pensions

The Scottsdale Budget Review Commission on Feb. 13 received a high-level briefing on the city’s budget process and funds and directed staff to concentrate early review work on governmental funds, capital project governance, public-safety costs and long-term pension sustainability.

Chair David Smith convened the commission and said the body was created by council to “make recommendations on the city budget, the operating budget, the capital budget, revenues, as well as the policies that govern and measure our budget results.” The commission is charged with giving council assurance the budget is “fiscally responsible” and sustainable, he said.

City Treasurer Sonia Andrews gave the presentation, which outlined how the city prepares a proposed balanced budget. “The city manager and city treasurer, we work together closely to bring a budget to council to approve funding for all the city's needs and priorities,” Andrews said. She told commissioners the proposed 2025–26 balanced budget will be released on April 3, staff will present it to the commission before a May 6 council presentation, the tentative budget adoption is scheduled for May 20 and final adoption is required by…