The Finance Department is responsible for the City of Wayne’s budgeting and financial management, accounting and reporting, and oversight and compliance (audit).
Understanding the Budget Process in the City of Wayne
The City of Wayne follows a formal and transparent budget process to ensure that public funds are managed responsibly. This process helps align City resources with community priorities while maintaining fiscal stability. Below is a brief overview of how the City of Wayne prepares and adopts its annual budget.
Planning and Goal Setting – The budget process begins in early spring, following the annual audit. City staff evaluate the financial performance of the previous fiscal year and work with the Mayor and City Council to set strategic City of Wayne goals. These priorities guide decisions throughout the budget process.
Department Budget Requests – Each department within the City submits a budget request and meets with City staff to discuss their operational needs and capital improvement plans.
Draft Budget Preparation – The Finance Director compiles a draft budget that includes projected year-end figures for the current fiscal year and budget plans for the upcoming year. The draft accounts for debt obligations, operations, and capital projects.
Public Input and Council Review – The proposed budget is presented to the Mayor and Council during budget work sessions, which are also open to the public. These work sessions are scheduled to be held following regular City Council meetings in August. In September, budget hearings are held during City Council meetings to allow for public input on the budget and to set the final tax request.
Final Adoption – Following any revisions based on Council input, the City Council adopts the budget at its second meeting in September (this year Sept 15). The budget forms and documentation are submitted to the State Auditor for review by Sept. 30.
Budget Implementation and Oversight – Once adopted, the budget serves as the City’s financial roadmap for the year. City staff closely monitor revenues and expenditures. Regular audits and financial reports ensure transparency and fiscal accountability.
