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ANNUAL BUDGET MESSAGE<br />

The annual budget message is a critical part of <strong>the</strong> budget. The message is a means<br />

which <strong>the</strong> official responsible for <strong>the</strong> budget=s preparation can use to highlight various<br />

components of <strong>the</strong> annual fiscal plan. Although <strong>the</strong> message is addressed to <strong>the</strong> governing body,<br />

in reality, it has a much wider audience. It can be a most effective way to inform <strong>the</strong> media and<br />

various publics of what is planned and at what cost.<br />

There is no “hard or fast rule” as to <strong>the</strong> types of information which should be included in<br />

a budget message. However, if <strong>the</strong> message is to be an effective communication tool, <strong>the</strong><br />

following subject matters are suggested as appropriate for inclusion in <strong>the</strong> message:<br />

- jurisdiction=s fiscal position;<br />

- major revenue sources, justifications, impacts and changes;<br />

- expenditure programs, proposed results and reasons for changes;<br />

- problems which are addressed and those still unmet; and<br />

- budget outlook for next several fiscal periods.<br />

An example of a budget message from a small Pennsylvania local government containing<br />

many of <strong>the</strong> above subject matters appears below.<br />

Budget Message<br />

Municipality of __________<br />

Fiscal responsibility dictates that <strong>the</strong> <strong>municipal</strong>ity provide for <strong>the</strong> general safety and<br />

well-being of our residents at <strong>the</strong> least possible cost. This Budget, as with those of recent years,<br />

reflects <strong>the</strong> board=s commitment to provide outstanding services at an affordable cost.<br />

Through innovative methods and <strong>the</strong> application of sound management principals, <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>municipal</strong> roads have been well-maintained, and its recreation facilities expanded, without<br />

commensurate increases in millage rates. Staff productivity has been significantly enhanced<br />

through professionalization, computerization, and by employing o<strong>the</strong>r forms of technology.<br />

Public works operations have been improved through <strong>the</strong> utilization of an expanded equipment<br />

fleet.<br />

This budget affirms <strong>the</strong> administration's resolve to sustain quality services through<br />

outstanding maintenance of <strong>municipal</strong> roads and facilities, and to provide for <strong>the</strong> general safety<br />

of our community.<br />

EXPENDITURES<br />

Within <strong>the</strong> past five years, and consistent with expenditure patterns in rural<br />

<strong>municipal</strong>ities, primary budget expenditures are road-maintenance-related. A substantial<br />

percentage of this amount is earmarked for employee wages and benefits, which have increased<br />

by 14% from 1991 to 1995. As an employer, a significant cost for <strong>the</strong> <strong>municipal</strong>ity is employee<br />

benefits, which are vital to attracting and maintaining a productive, qualified staff. For many<br />

years, our local government employees had no social security participation or pension plan. In<br />

1991, <strong>the</strong> first <strong>municipal</strong> Employee Pension Plan was instituted. In <strong>the</strong> following years an eye<br />

and dental plan has been added and an HMO offered, with <strong>the</strong> employee paying a portion of <strong>the</strong><br />

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