A municipal budget is a plan outlining an organization's financial and operational goals for a given period of time.  In accordance with Kansas statutes, the City of Manhattan adopts its annual budget no later than August 15 of each year.  The budget is approved by the City Commission at a public budget hearing and becomes effective on January 1 of the new year and continues through December 31.

Every municipal budget contains some common elements.  For instance, the 12-month 2010 City Budget provides forecasts of revenues and expenditures regarding City operations and also provides an itemized allotment of funds for every Division and Department of the City.  The City of Manhattan annual budget also reflects community needs and growth as well as recognizing the challenges presented by the local and national economy.

For many citizens, municipal financial planning and city budgets can be very confusing, especially with regards to terminology.  Please take time to review the Basics of Budgeting PowerPoint and also the Glossary of Financial Terms for a better understanding of the City's budgeting process.

The Basics of Budgeting

Glossary of Financial Terms