Frequently asked Budget Questions

Fiscal Years 2004-2005

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the City budget every two years?
When does the City's Fiscal Year Start?
What are the legal requirements for the City budget?
Where does the money come from?
Where does the budgeted money go?
What is the population of Boise?

Why does the City budget every two years?

The two-year budget plan minimizes the cost and time required for budget development. It provides a longer-term prospective for financial planning and for budget decisions.

When does the City's Fiscal Year Start?

The City's Ficscal Year Begins on October 1. Fiscal Year 2004 began on October 1, 2003. Fiscal Year 2005 begins on October 1, 2004.

What are the legal requirements for the City budget?

The Idaho State Code (section 50) outlines the process for development of the City budget. It requires a balanced budget. It requires disclosure of all funds subject to appropriation. It requires comparisons to prior year periods for "funds" and departments. The State Code also requires public involvement in the process, including the requirement for a public hearing on the proposed budget portion of the two-year budget. This budget reflects the City's compliance with all of those requirements.

Where does the money come from?

The City budget is funded by user fees, taxes, grants and other revenues. The City TYB is �structurally balanced� - projected revenues cover costs throughout a 6 year projection window.

User fees are the primary source for funding �enterprise� programs in the airport, sewer, solid waste hauling, and geothermal divisions. User fees are also charged in the �tax supported funds� for services like parks and recreation programs. Development fees are charges to builders for plan reviews and building inspections to assure compliance with zoning laws and City construction and safety standards.

Where does the budgeted money go?

The budget funds operating costs for day to day City services. Capital expenditures fund construction and repair of facilities. Water quality programs (Public Works sewers), police and fire, and airport comprise over half the total City budget for operations and the majority of capital costs.

What is the population of Boise?

The City includes 59.7% of the population of Ada County, the most populous county in Idaho. The County includes 24.1% of the population of the State. The population of Boise increased from 34,481 in 1960 to 185,787 in the 2000 census. The Bureau of the Census designates Ada and Canyon counties as the Boise Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA).

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