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1. What is a city budget?

The City's biennial budget serves as a blueprint for allocating the City's resources over the next two years.  The budget projects both revenues and expenses which are updated throughout the two years as revenues are realized and expenses are paid.

2. What is a biennial budget cycle?

San Leandro has a biennial budget cycle which means that the budget passed by the City Council is operative for two years.  The Council receives regular updates and makes budget adjustments within the two-year time period based upon the latest revenue and expenditure data.  

3. What is the Proposed Budget?

The Proposed Budget is the first draft of the City budget that includes the base amounts required to maintain city services.  The Proposed Budget includes other expenses based upon the direction of the Council.  The Proposed Budget is heard in an open meeting to give the public the opportunity to review the budget, ask questions and make recommendations.

4. What is the Adopted Budget?

The Adopted Budget is the version of the budget the City Council votes upon and enacts prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.  This version of the budget includes any changes or revisions after the Proposed Budget.  Additionally, this is the version of the budget the Council acts upon when they make adjustments across the two years of the biennial budget cycle.   

5. What is the General Fund?

The General Fund is the source of discretionary revenue for the City.  It can be used for any city expense.  

6. What is a Special Fund?

Unlike the General Fund, Special Funds can only be used for a specified purpose.  Special Funds can be voter approved (e.g., bond funds) or can be grant funds that can only be used for certain city expenditures (e.g., roads).

7. What is the largest source of General Fund revenue for the City?

Sales Tax represents the largest source of General Fund revenues at roughly 42%.

8. What is the City’s biggest expenditure?

The City’s biggest expenditure is personnel or City staff which includes salary/wages and benefits.  Personnel represents roughly 43% of total General Fund expenditures.  

9. Who decides on City budget spending?

Staff provides the baseline budget which includes the change in year over year expenditures and revenues.  This information is presented to the Council in a public City Council meeting and in several community meetings to allow for ample comment by both the Council and the community.  This information informs the Adopted City Budget.

10. How can I participate in the City budget process?

The public is encouraged to participate in the City budget process both at Council meetings and at community meetings.  Additionally, the public can share their comments on the budget with the Council directly.  

11. When is the City’s fiscal year?

The City’s fiscal year runs June 30-July 1^st of the following year.