The beginning the next Orange County fiscal year is more than 4 months away, but the budget process is well underway.
County CommissionerBryan Nelson
According to County Commissioner Bryan Nelson, "The creation, adoption, and execution of the Orange County Budget is a lengthy process and involves the year-round interaction of many people at various levels within the county."
Orange County Budget Timeline
January, February and March
The County Administrator, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the different departments within Orange County meet to analyze and compile information for the next fiscal year.
April and May
The OMB tabulates budgets and capital improvement projects. The different departments review and present their budgets to the County Mayor and the County Administrator. Departments must show how their budget will fit policy and goals for the next year.
July
The proposed budget is done, submitted to the BCC, and the proposed budget is posted on the County's website before July 4th. On July 18th there is a work session open to the public to review the budget with the BCC.
August
The BCC certifies the millage rates and the public hearing dates. These are then sent to the Property Appraiser. Proposed Property Tax Notices (TRIM) are sent out.
September
Two public hearings are held on the budget. Each department will do a presentation of their accomplishments last year and what they are proposing to do this year. Staff will be present at the meetings to answer questions that the public has, and the tax collector has been present in past years to answer additional questions as well. Each public meeting is live streamed by Orange TV.
October
On October 1st the adopted budget is implemented. The fiscal year for Orange County runs from October-September.
November and December
OMB issues the adopted budget documents and the results of the prior fiscal year are released.
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Throughout the year the budget can be amended through budget amendments or budget transfers.
OMB uses financial projection modeling tools to project revenues and expenditures at least 5 years into the future. Different revenue sources are given different financial projection models. These models help the OMB and Orange County’s leaders to make sound financial decisions to ensure that major capital projects will continue to have enough funding to be completed.
To learn more visit: http://www.ocfl.net/OpenGovernment/Budgets.aspx
