Budget Office
To better serve the needs of our customers, beginning September 29, the Budget Office is open 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and is closed on Friday.
Budgeting Process
The City of Rowlett budget process is a year-round endeavor from the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1 to the end on September 30. The first step in the budget planning process is when the Budget Officer and departments are given preliminary direction from the City Manager regarding appropriate budget guidelines and strategy.
First Stages
Budget proposals are due from every department at the beginning of May. Throughout May and June, proposals are reviewed jointly by the City Manager's Office, Finance staff and departments. In late July, the certified tax roll is released from the Dallas Central Appraisal District and the Rockwall County Appraisal District. This information provides the City a firm estimate of the property tax revenues that can be expected in the coming year.
Crafting the Budget Proposal
Next is the crafting of a proposed budget, which is submitted to the City Council in early August. In August and September, the City Council discusses the budget at Council Work Sessions and meetings. Public hearings are held in late August and early September.
Voting
The tax rate ordinance and budget ordinance are voted upon at the second City Council meeting in September. The fiscal year begins October 1.
Monitoring the Budget
Continuing throughout the fiscal year, the Budget Officer and Finance Department closely monitor and track the budget while preparing forecasts for all expenditures and revenues for the upcoming budget year.
For more information on the creation and maintenance of the budget, contact the Finance Department.