Jackson City committee adopts compressed budget calendar, aims to send guidance within two weeks

The Jackson City Budget Committee on Thursday approved a compressed budget calendar and directed staff to distribute budget guidance and a rubric to departments within roughly two weeks.

Chair Jessica called the motion to a vote after Committee member (S7) moved to adopt the calendar "as presented." The motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Committee member (S4), who presented the proposed calendar, said the committee faced "from today's date 96 days to adopt a budget" and laid out a schedule that would aim to have departmental submissions compiled in mid-April, committee reviews and workshops in late April and early May, and council budget workshops and possible first reading in early June. The presenter urged members to adhere to the calendar to avoid repeating recent delays.

Staff member (S3) told the committee that the FY24 audit remains behind schedule and that a trial balance submission was planned for the coming week; if auditors receive complete information, S3 estimated a 30–35 day turnaround for a report. Several members suggested the committee consider whether additional accounting staff should be requested in the coming budget to prevent recurring audit delays.

The committee agreed that, if the calendar proves unachievable, staff should communicate as soon as possible so the committee can adjust dates ahead of a regular budget meeting. No formal amendments to the calendar were made at the meeting; the adoption was a direction-setting action to adhere to the proposed compressed timeline.