Budget Division

Overview

The Budget Division prepares, administers, and monitors the City's annual operating budget. They prepare appropriation ordinances and provide financial data, support, and analysis to all City departments, as needed. The division also assists in special management and analysis projects throughout the year.

Recognition

Since 1992, the City of Great Falls Finance Department has earned the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. This award comes from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). In order for the City to receive this award, they must publish a document that meets GFOA program criteria. The criteria includes, presenting the budget as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and as a communication device.

Budget Development

The City of Great Falls' fiscal year (FY) runs annually from July 1st to June 30th. Development of the City’s budget happens between April and September every year. This would be for the next fiscal year. In June, the Proposed Budget is presented to the City Commission. The proposed document is then available for the public to review. The public is then asked to attend meetings and public hearings before the final commission approval. The final commission approval happens in July. The final approval is called the Annual Budget Resolution. Once the resolution is approved then the proposed budget becomes the adopted budget.