City of La Porte Annual Budget 1992-1993

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Article IV of the City's Charter governs the preparation and submission of the budget and the Schedules and Attachments in this budget meet or exceed its requirements. LeEa1 level of BudEet Control The legal level for expenditure (expense) budget control is the Fund level. Each Department Director is responsible for the budget in their respective departments. The Directors are given latitude to transfer budget funds within their departments, with the exception of the personal services category. Transfers effecting the personal services category or outside of the department require the approval of the City Manager. Additions to the budget that are not countered by a reduction elsewhere require amendment of the budget by City CounciL Amendment of Aoproved BudEet The amendment of a Departmental budget, which effects the total budget, requires approval by City Council. The City budgets a contingency amount in our two major operating funds (General Fund page 3-89 and Utility Fund page 4-35). These contingency amounts are available to be used by the City Manager for any emergency or unforseen expense or opportunity that might arise. You might notice on page 3-89 the City estimates to expend $175,000 of the General Fund contingency in Fiscal Year 1991-92. This estimate is based on an opportunity that arose during the year. The City found itself in the position to purchase a piece of property that lends itself to future park expansion. Also on page 4-35, you will see that the City expects to spend $18,000 of the Utility Fund contingency. This amount was utilized to replace a water well pump that failed early in the year. OrEanization of Funds The City books are established in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and our budget process is based on a working capital approach. The City has the following Fund Types and Funds: Governmental Fund Types General Fund - Used to account for generic activity that is not specifically accounted for elsewhere. Hote1jMote1 Occupancy Tax Fund - Used to account for funds received from the Hote1jMote1 Occupancy Tax. Enterprise Funds Utility Fund - Used to account for activity surrounding the provision of water and wastewater service to the City residences. Sylvan Beach Fund - Used to account for activity surrounding the City's operation of the Sylvan Beach Pavilion and Conference Center. 1-8 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I