Norwalk Municipal Code Ch. 3.04 Fiscal Procedures and Budgeting

The fiscal year shall begin on the first day of July of each year and end on the 30th day of June of the following year.

(Prior code § 3-1.1; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

Annually the City Manager shall obtain from all departments, boards and commissions the estimates of revenues and expenditures for the forthcoming year together with any necessary supporting data. The City Manager shall assemble all proposed revenues and expenditures into a tentative budget.

The City Manager shall submit a proposed budget to the City Council. After reviewing same and making such revisions as it may deem advisable, the City Council shall determine time for the holding of a public hearing thereon and shall cause to have published a notice not less than 10 days prior to such hearing, by at least one insertion in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated in the City or, if there is none, in a newspaper of general circulation printed in the County of Los Angeles and circulated in the City.

(Prior code § 3-1.2; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

At the time advertised, the City Council shall hold a public hearing on the proposed budget. At this time interested persons desiring to be heard shall be given such opportunity.

(Prior code § 3-1.3; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

After the conclusion of the public hearing, the City Council shall further consider the proposed budget and make any revisions thereof it may deem necessary, and then it shall adopt the budget by the affirmative votes of at least three members. Upon final adoption, the budget shall be in effect for the ensuing fiscal year. A copy thereof certified by the City Clerk, shall be filed with the person retained by the City Council to perform auditing functions for the City Council. A certified copy of the adopted budget shall also be placed on file in the office of the City Clerk where it shall be available for inspection. The budget so certified shall be reproduced and copies made available for the use of departments and officers of the City.

(Prior code § 3-1.4; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

From the effective date of the budget, the several amounts stated therein as proposed expenditures shall be and become appropriated to the several departments, offices and agencies for the respective objects and purposes therein named. All appropriations from the General Fund shall lapse at the end of the fiscal year unless they have been expended or lawfully encumbered. All appropriations appropriated from any fund other than the General Fund shall lapse at the end of the fiscal year unless they have been expended or lawfully encumbered or programmed.

(Prior code § 3-1.5; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

At any meeting after the adoption of the budget, the City Council may amend or supplement the budget by a resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of the majority of the City Council.

(Prior code § 3-1.6; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)

The City Council shall employ, at the beginning of each fiscal year, a qualified accountant who, at such times as may be specified by the City Council, shall examine the books, records, inventories and reports of all officers and employees who receive, handle or disburse public funds and all such other officers, employees or departments as the City Council may direct. As soon as practicable after the end of the fiscal year, a final audit and report shall be submitted by such accountant to the City Council, one copy thereof to be distributed to each member, one to the City Manager, Director of Finance and City Attorney respectively, and three additional copies to be placed on file in the office of the City Clerk where they shall be available for inspection by the general public.

(Prior code § 3-1.7; Ord. 21-1722 § 2)