Columbia Final Budget and Budget Message ordinance (Charter § 35)

The city manager, at least sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each budget year, or at such time in each year as shall be fixed by the council, shall submit to the council a final budget with an explanatory message. For the purpose of preparing this budget and explanatory message, the city manager shall secure from the head of each office, department or agency who shall supply the same, detailed estimates of revenue and expenditures of that office, department or agency. The city manager shall also secure an estimate of all capital projects pending and those which it is recommended should be undertaken (a) within the budget year, and (b) within the next five (5) succeeding years. In preparing the budget, the city manager shall review and may revise the estimates, as the manager may deem necessary.

The budget shall provide a complete financial plan for the budget year. It shall include the following:

1. An itemized statement of estimated revenues from all sources for the year which the budget is to cover, together with a comparative statement of revenues for the last completed fiscal year and the year in progress.

2. An itemized statement of proposed expenditures recommended by the city manager for each office, department, or agency for the year which the budget is to cover, together with a comparative statement of expenditures for the last completed fiscal year and the year in progress.

3. A statement of the amount required for the payment of interest, amortization and redemption charges on the debt of the city.

4. Provision for contingent expense in an amount not to exceed five (5) per cent of the total operating expenditures proposed under item (2) above.

5. A general budget summary.

6. Such other information as the city manager may deem essential, or as may be required by ordinance or by law.

The budget message shall be in full and a complete explanation of the proposed budget, including reasons for any major changes from the preceding year. Expenditures proposed in the budget for each department, office or agency shall be itemized by character, object, function, activity and fund. The classification of revenue and expenditure accounts shall conform as nearly as local conditions permit to established and recognized standards of accounting. In no event shall the total amount of the proposed expenditures exceed the estimated income of the city.