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Committee considers budget timing, conditional budget authority and audit schedule changes
Summary
Members discussed proposals to move the mayor's budget delivery earlier, to give the council conditional authority over certain funding releases, to change revenue certification and audit timing, and to create greater council oversight of the capital budget.
Committee members discussed a slate of financial proposals intended to increase council oversight and align budget and audit timelines with council needs.
On timing, staff presented a proposal to move the mayor nd administration's deadline for delivering the proposed operating budget from May 15 to April 15. Dorsey and other members noted the change is frequently requested by council members and the public.
The committee also examined a proposal to require the Department of Finance to present revenue projections to the council by Feb. 15 and a final revenue certification by April 15, with explanations of any changes. Members discussed clarifying the timing of audits by requiring the annual comprehensive financial report be submitted to the council and the Board of Estimates on or before Dec. 31.
On authority, staff presented a proposal to permit conditional budgetary authority similar to practices in the Maryland General Assembly, where funding may be released only after specified requirements are met; proponents said the change would strengthen the council's oversight tools. Council members emphasized this would affect the council's ability to compel information from city agencies during oversight.
Capital budget reform was also proposed, to provide a process for the administration to submit a proposed capital budget to the council earlier in the cycle for negotiation and potential approval, rather than putting council only at the end of the process. Close-out supplemental reform was presented to clarify that the charter does not require close-out supplemental appropriation legislation at fiscal year end.
The comptroller's office and DLR noted these proposals will require detailed drafting and may create interactions with state rules and existing city code.
