On May 28, 2019, the City of Grants Pass Budget Committee approved the recommended fiscal year 2020 budget. The Budget Committee consists of eight lay members who are appointed to 3-year terms, as well as the eight elected members of the City Council. The City would like to thank the diligent volunteer service of all Budget Committee lay members and City Council members in reviewing the proposed budget and helping to ensure the budget aligns with the Council Goals and the City’s strategic plan.
After approving one budget amendment, the Budget Committee voted unanimously to approve the recommended fiscal year 2020 budget. The 2020 budget maintains level of services for all City departments and includes a slightly lower City property tax rate as compared to the current year.
The City of Grants Pass has won the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 34 years, the latest award being given for the 2018-2019 budget. In order to receive this award, a governmental unit must publish a budget document that meets program criteria as a policy document, an operations guide, a financial plan, and a communication device.
As a result of following best practices in budgeting, the City’s Budget Committee members also review data demonstrating the effectiveness of City programs, as well as measures of efficiency in implementing budgeted programs. In addition, the Committee reviews issues of fiscal responsibility, including the adequacy of fund balances compared to the City’s financial policies, the impact of taxes and fees on the broader community, and the success of the City’s departments in achieving the principal goals in the City’s strategic plan.
The City Council will hold one final public hearing regarding the budget in the scheduled Council meeting of June 19th before acting to adopt the budget for fiscal year 2020.