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Financial Affairs Committee adopts updated budget process policy, adds GFOA decision-architecture language
Summary
The committee adopted annual updates to the budget process policy to guide the 2026 capital and operating budget timeline; updates include new calendar dates and language drawn from the Government Finance Officers Association on decision architecture.
The Wauwatosa City Financial Affairs Committee on May 13, 2025, adopted updates to the city's budget process policy that outline the timeline and roles for the 2026 capital and operating budget process and incorporate language from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) on decision architecture.
John (city staff) reviewed proposed calendar dates: introduction of the executive budget to the Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, Sept. 30; Financial Affairs Committee review meetings on Tuesdays in October (Oct. 7, 14 and a third Tuesday in October); Committee of the Whole consideration of the capital budget on Oct. 28; and final budget adoption on Nov. 18. He told the committee the changes give the committee flexibility to amend after the public hearing if members choose.
Staff also explained the policy additions borrowed from the GFOA focus on "decision architecture"—widening the option set, testing assumptions, presenting high-value options and fostering trust in the process—and noted the policy continues to treat the budget document primarily as a financial policy document. Larger departments will continue to provide annual updates to reduce time spent on routine achievement reports during budget hearings.
A committee member moved to approve the policy as presented; Alderman McClough seconded. The committee voted 5-0 to adopt the updated policy. Staff noted that adoption by this committee does not send the policy to the full Common Council.
