Budget

The budget is one of the City Council's strongest policy-making tools. Spending guidelines are a reflection of numerous policy decisions. Setting policy through the budget is a continuous, year long process. It involves setting goals and establishing priorities. Public participation is critical to the budget process, as well as being required by law, because of the many policy decisions involved. Once a budget is adopted, Council Members monitor program progress through periodic reports from the Administration and from the community. If programs are not effectively implementing policy decisions, revisions can be made.

The Council deals with three types of budgets:

The general fund budget is the operating budget for delivering services like police, fire, and parks. The general fund budget is financed from the City's ongoing general revenue sources such as property and sales taxes.

The capital budget determines what capital improvements will be bought or constructed over several years, and how they will be financed. The Council also needs to budget for debt payments on capital projects that were financed through issuing bonds.

Budgets for enterprise funds provide authorization from the Council for operating expenses and capital improvements of the Airport; water, sewer, and stormwater utilities; golf courses; and refuse collection.

2012-13 Salt Lake City Budget

City budget process begins April 10 with preview. See the budget director’s presentation data.

Proposed Budget Related Ordinances (legal language)

Council Staff Reports on Various City Departments