Annual Budget Process and Timeline

Each year, the city develops our budget for the following year beginning in January and ending with City Council’s adoption in the early fall. Our fiscal year runs October 1st through September 30th.

Why is it important?

The city’s annual budget includes both major investments — like replacing aging water lines or expanding the Boise Airport — and support for essential everyday programs and services. Funding for Boise Police and Fire Departments; emergency medical services; libraries; parks; snow and ice removal; and garbage, recycling and compost pickup provided by Republic Services are all part of our yearly expenses.

By adopting a budget each year, we ensure we’re investing in what matters most to our community, from keeping neighborhoods safe, to increasing affordable housing, improving transportation options, and more.

Arial view of Boise during the day.

Timeline

December – February:
Early Planning

  • City staff begin building the budget by reviewing how much money the city has collected and spent in past years.
  • They look at current economic trends (like inflation or population growth) and expected needs (for example, whether more firefighters will be needed or a building needs to be repaired).
  • These estimates help create the foundation for next year’s budget.

March – May:
Shaping the Budget

  • Departments work with the Finance department to build their budget requests.
  • All requests are reviewed to ensure they align with Mayor and City Council goals.
  • Residents are invited to provide their input using a form on our website. Each comment we receive is sent to the Mayor and our City Council members for their review.

May – June:
Department Presentations

  • Departments present their budget proposals, highlighting key priorities, to Mayor and City Council in public meetings.
  • Based on these presentations, city leaders begin shaping the overall proposed budget.

June:
Draft Budget Released

  • A draft of the proposed annual budget is released to the public, usually around the middle of the month.
  • City Council holds budget workshops where they discuss priorities and details. These meetings are open to the public.

July – September:
Public Input and Final Adoption

  • Public hearings are held where residents can share feedback on the proposed budget and any new or significantly increased fees (over 5%). These hearings are typically held the first half of July.
  • After reviewing public input and making any needed changes, City Council formally adopts the final budget at a meeting in August or September.
  • The property tax budget is then submitted to Ada County in early September.

September:
Final Budget Published

  • The Finance Department updates the budget document to reflect the adopted changes.
  • The final budget is published on the City of Boise website before the new fiscal year begins on October 1st.

Following the Budget Through the Year 

Boise City Council holds budget and policy-setting authority for the city. Throughout the year, city staff and leadership talk regularly about the budget.

The budget is actively monitored year-round. At the end of each quarter, a financial report is prepared that outlines revenues, expenditures, how those compare to budgeted amounts, and economic trends.

In addition to these regular reports, the city’s budget transparency tool, OpenBook, allows residents to monitor monthly revenues, spending and staffing.

Adjustments to the budget, when needed, are generally approved by the City Council during the annual budget process and through Interim Budget Changes at City Council meetings.

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