Budget planning begins each spring and summer when the City Council discusses priorities and provides direction for the coming year. Using that direction, the City Manager prepares a proposed budget.

During the fall, the City Council reviews the proposed budget over several public meetings before approving the annual property tax levy and final budget in December.

Throughout the process, residents are welcome to learn about the budget, follow Council discussions and share what is most important to them.

The City's budget is funded from several sources, including:

• Property taxes approved through the annual tax levy
• Fees for City services
• Utility charges
• State and federal funding
• Licenses and permits
• Investment earnings and other revenues

Not every City service is paid for with property taxes. Many programs and services are supported by user fees or other dedicated funding sources.

The property tax levy is the amount of money the City collects through property taxes to help pay for City services. Each fall, the City Council approves a proposed levy and then adopts a final levy in December as part of the annual budget process.