Bell Municipal Code Ch. 3.08 City Budget

Prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, and not later than May 1st of each year, the chief administrative officer shall prepare a proposed annual budget, covering expected income and all proposed expenditures of the city for the forthcoming fiscal year. In preparing the budget the chief administrative officer shall utilize the most accurate available income estimates and the most feasible combination of expenditure classification by fund, organization unit, program, purpose or activity, and object.

(Prior code § 2501(a))

Not less than 60 days prior to the commencement of each fiscal year, the chief administrative officer shall transmit copies of the proposed budget, and his or her budget message to the city council. In addition, five copies of the proposed budget, and the chief administrative officer's budget message, shall be on file in the office of the city clerk, available for examination by members of the general public.

(Prior code § 2501(b))

Upon submission of the budget, the city council shall select a convenient date for the conduct of a public hearing upon the adoption of such budget. Notice shall be given of such public hearing in such manner as the city council deems appropriate to give reasonable notice thereof to residents of the city. At the time of such public hearing, the city council shall consider evidence presented by any interested person concerning any or all of the items as contained in the proposed budget. Upon conclusion of the public hearing, the city council shall make such alterations, deletions or additions to the budget as proposed, as it finds to be in the public interest, and thereafter, it shall approve the budget as revised.

(Prior code § 2501(c))

Such approval shall take place prior to the commencement of the fiscal year to which such budget relates. Upon its adoption, by the affirmative votes of at least three members of the city council, the budget shall be in effect for the ensuing fiscal year. The budget as approved shall be filed with the city clerk, and shall be reproduced and copies made available for the use of the public and of departments, officers and agencies of the city.

(Prior code § 2501(d))

At any meeting after the adoption of the budget, the city council may amend or supplement the budget, by motion, adopted by the affirmative votes of at least three members of the city council.

(Prior code § 2501(e))

From and after the effective date of the adoption of a budget, the several amounts stated therein as proposed expenditures shall be deemed appropriated to the several departments, offices and agencies for the respective objects and purposes therein stated. All appropriations shall lapse at the end of the fiscal year to the extent that they shall not have been expended or lawfully encumbered.

(Prior code § 2502)