Preparing Budgets And Capital Improvement Plans

Module FourChapter 4 OverviewIn addition to the personnel services and support services potion of the budget is the capital outlay portion. It is this portion that monies for needed “equipment” is found within the budget. Some states allow for “construction projects” to also be included in this section of the budget, however Florida is not one of those states. The laws vary from state to state as to the definition of “equipment” within public organizations. Equipment purchased under this portion of the budget is almost always placed on the agency’s inventory and assigned a property control number. Obviously this is the means whereby equipment is both managed and accounted for in public agencies. When equipment is no longer needed by the agency, it is either sold at public auction, or disposed of in accordance with law. Strict records should always be kept of all equipment under the control of any public agency.Chapter Four LectureIn this module we will be examining the Capital Outlay portion of the budget. Monies allocated for this portion of the budget vary based upon the agency or government entity preparing the budget. The power point provided for this module discusses monies allocated to this portion of the budget may include such things as construction costs for new buildings. Other areas of the power point discuss monies allocated to this portion of the budget are allocated for equipment.The difference can be found in the government entity preparing the budget. Let’s take a look at the local level of government, county or city. In the United States counties and cities have a governing body called the Council or Commission. This governing body is known as the legislative branch of that local government. Local agencies, such as the police department, sheriff’s office, building and zoning, etc. do not place it their budgets under the capital expenditure portion construction for new buildings or purchasing land. This would be done at the county or city level within the overall county or city budget. Local agencies only budget for equipment in this category which is (in Florida) a single item having a life expectancy of a year or more and costing one thousand dollars or more.All buildings and properties are owned by the governing body, not individual agencies under the governing body. The governing body is responsible for providing adequate office space, including buildings, to the agencies under its jurisdiction. The county must provide for the construction of a county jail. Any item within the county jail that was required for a certificate of occupancy, such as a hot water heater, also comes under the jurisdiction. On the other hand, an item within the jail not required for a certificate of occupancy, such as an industrial mashed potato mixer, would be the budgeting responsibility of the agency head operating the jail. This can become quite complicated for local officials, but the easy rule to follow is whoever places the property inventory control number on the equipment becomes the party responsible for including it in its budget.The power point also mentions bond issues. Local governments are empowered to purchase land, buy and/or construct buildings for the governments operation. The purchase must take place in the fiscal year. To do this, since it is a rather large amount of money, often secure bonds where that particular government pays the bond holder so much a year until the amount of the bond is satisfied. Some local sports stadiums are funded in this manner.On the local agency level, there is another form of revenue used to fund equipment. This is known as impact fee funding. Generally when one builds a new building or house a fee is attached whereby those monies go into a pot for the use of purchase of any new equipment necessary to cover new growth in that particular jurisdiction. For example, if the police chief needs to add 2 new patrol officers due to increased growth in the city, the patrol cars for these officers can be funded from the impact fee fund. In this case the chief would ask for these cars in his/her budget and the city would fund the vehicles from the impact fees instead of other forms of taxation.Assignment#1- Module Four Mount Bayou’s Fire Department Capital BudgetInstructionsUsing the information from the proposed capital budget on the bottom of page 98 of your textbook, prepare justifications for budget request items that only include: computers, security system, copy machine 3/4 ton truck, office desks, pumper, tanker, and new fire station. Use the template labelled capital budget justifications (page 98 thru 106 have been included)Note: There is an example on page 108 (Appendix 4A) but for this assignment, we are only going to include information provided in the template. (this has been included in upload)Assignment #2- Module Four City of Mount Bayou Project PrioritiesInstructionsUsing the template labeled, City of Mount Bayou Project Priority List, rank the list of budget item requests (i.e. computers, security system, copy machines, etc.) according to their priority. After you rank them, provide a justification for your ranking order. Be creative in your justifications i.e. population growth, economic growth, age of equipment, etc.Criteria Ratings assignment must meet all the following for gradingThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBudget narrative-You introduce the budget and comment on the budget process; provide a detailed explanation of how you determined individual budget lines and amounts; and draw pertinent conclusions about the budget and budget process.This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Overall presentation-Your discussion of the budget process and individual budget lines is set forth in a clear, thoughtful manner. It is well-written and insightful (writing demonstrates a sophisticated clarity, conciseness, and correctness); includes thorough details and relevant data and information; and is extremely well-organized.This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome URNITIN ORIGINALITY SCOREThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome PAD PO2 – Formulate a public policy proposal.This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome PAD PO3 – Justify the validity and reliability of a program.This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome PAD PO5 – Demonstrate knowledge of laws and regulations regarding labor relations and hiring/firing practices.This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome PAD PO7 – Employ a series of strategies, including quality assurance, and critical thinking to manage activities ranging from normal to special assignments.This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome PAD PO8 – Identify components of a public agency financial system and explain how each fits into the overall organizational structureModule FourChapter 4 OverviewIn addition to the personnel services and support services potion of the budget is the capital outlay portion. It is thisportion that monies for needed “equipment” is found within the budget. Some states allow for “construction projects”to also be included in this section of the budget, however Florida is not one of those states. The laws vary from state tostate as to the definition of “equipment” within public organizations. Equipment purchased under this portion of thebudget is almost always placed onthe agency’s inventory and assigned a property control number. Obviously this is themeans whereby equipment is both managed and accounted for in public agencies. When equipment is no longer neededby the agency, it is either sold at public auction, or disposed of in accordance with law. Strict records should always bekept of all equipment under the control of any public agency.Chapter Four LectureIn this module we will be examining the Capital Outlay portion of the budget. Monies allocated for this portion of thebudget vary based upon the agency or government entity preparing the budget. The power point provided for thismodule discusses monies allocated to this portion of the budget may include such things as construction costs for newbuildings. Other areas of the power point discuss monies allocated to this portion of the budget are allocated forequipment.The difference can be found in the government entity preparing the budget. Let’s take a look at the local level ofgovernment, county or city. In the United States counties and cities have a governing body called the Council orCommission. This governing body is known as the legislative branch of that local government. Local agencies, such as thepolice department, sheriff’s office, building and zoning, etc. do not place it their budgets under the capital expenditureportion construction for new buildings or purchasing land. This would be done at the county or city level within theoverall county or city budget. Local agencies only budget for equipment in this category which is (in Florida) a single itemhaving a life expectancy of a year or more and costing one thousand dollars or more.All buildings and properties are owned by the governing body, not individual agencies under the governing body. Thegoverning body is responsible for providing adequate office space, including buildings, to the agencies under itsjurisdiction. The county must provide for the construction of a county jail. Any item within the countyjail that wasrequired for a certificate of occupancy, such as a hot water heater, also comes under the jurisdiction. On the other hand,an item within the jail not required for a certificate of occupancy, such as an industrial mashed potato mixer, would bethe budgeting responsibility of the agency head operating the jail. This can become quite complicated for local officials,but the easy rule to follow is whoever places the property inventory control number on the equipment becomes theparty responsiblefor including it in its budget.The power point also mentions bond issues. Local governments are empowered to purchase land, buy and/or constructbuildings for the governments operation. The purchase must take place in the fiscal year. To do this, since itis a ratherlarge amount of money, often secure bonds where that particular government pays the bond holder so much a yearuntil the amount of the bond is satisfied. Some local sports stadiums are funded in this manner.On the local agency level, there isanother form of revenue used to fund equipment. This is known as impact feefunding. Generally when one builds a new building or house a fee is attached whereby those monies go into a pot forthe use of purchase of any new equipment necessary to cover newgrowth in that particular jurisdiction. For example, ifthe police chief needs to add 2 new patrol officers due to increased growth in the city, the patrol cars for these officerscan be funded from the impact fee fund. In this case the chief would ask for these cars in his/her budget and the citywould fund the vehicles from the impact fees instead of other forms of taxation.Module FourChapter 4 OverviewIn addition to the personnel services and support services potion of the budget is the capital outlay portion. It is thisportion that monies for needed “equipment” is found within the budget. Some states allow for “construction projects”to also be included in this section of the budget, however Florida is not one of those states. The laws vary from state tostate as to the definition of “equipment” within public organizations. Equipment purchased under this portion of thebudget is almost always placed on the agency’s inventory and assigned a property control number. Obviously this is themeans whereby equipment is both managed and accounted for in public agencies. When equipment is no longer neededby the agency, it is either sold at public auction, or disposed of in accordance with law. Strict records should always bekept of all equipment under the control of any public agency.Chapter Four LectureIn this module we will be examining the Capital Outlay portion of the budget. Monies allocated for this portion of thebudget vary based upon the agency or government entity preparing the budget. The power point provided for thismodule discusses monies allocated to this portion of the budget may include such things as construction costs for newbuildings. Other areas of the power point discuss monies allocated to this portion of the budget are allocated forequipment.The difference can be found in the government entity preparing the budget. Let’s take a look at the local level ofgovernment, county or city. In the United States counties and cities have a governing body called the Council orCommission. This governing body is known as the legislative branch of that local government. Local agencies, such as thepolice department, sheriff’s office, building and zoning, etc. do not place it their budgets under the capital expenditureportion construction for new buildings or purchasing land. This would be done at the county or city level within theoverall county or city budget. Local agencies only budget for equipment in this category which is (in Florida) a single itemhaving a life expectancy of a year or more and costing one thousand dollars or more.All buildings and properties are owned by the governing body, not individual agencies under the governing body. Thegoverning body is responsible for providing adequate office space, including buildings, to the agencies under itsjurisdiction. The county must provide for the construction of a county jail. Any item within the county jail that wasrequired for a certificate of occupancy, such as a hot water heater, also comes under the jurisdiction. On the other hand,an item within the jail not required for a certificate of occupancy, such as an industrial mashed potato mixer, would bethe budgeting responsibility of the agency head operating the jail. This can become quite complicated for local officials,but the easy rule to follow is whoever places the property inventory control number on the equipment becomes theparty responsible for including it in its budget.The power point also mentions bond issues. Local governments are empowered to purchase land, buy and/or constructbuildings for the governments operation. The purchase must take place in the fiscal year. To do this, since it is a ratherlarge amount of money, often secure bonds where that particular government pays the bond holder so much a yearuntil the amount of the bond is satisfied. Some local sports stadiums are funded in this manner.On the local agency level, there is another form of revenue used to fund equipment. This is known as impact feefunding. Generally when one builds a new building or house a fee is attached whereby those monies go into a pot forthe use of purchase of any new equipment necessary to cover new growth in that particular jurisdiction. For example, ifthe police chief needs to add 2 new patrol officers due to increased growth in the city, the patrol cars for these officerscan be funded from the impact fee fund. In this case the chief would ask for these cars in his/her budget and the citywould fund the vehicles from the impact fees instead of other forms of taxation.Grading Rubrics Critical ElementsDistinguished(100%)Proficient(85%)Basic(70%)Below Expectations(50%)Non-Performance(0%)Thesis StatementRaises the strongest   objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is strongly grounded in research and logical reasoning.Raises a plausible objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is mostly grounded in research and logical reasoning. Raises an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is somewhat grounded in research and logical reasoning.Attempts to raise an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is minimally grounded in research and logical reasoning. The objection to the thesis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.Counter ArgumentProvides a astrong, thorough rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal effectively demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and applies the principles of charity and accuracy. Provides a rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal mostly demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and mostly applies the principles of charity and accuracy. Provides a  limited rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal somewhat demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and somewhat applies the principles of charity and accuracy. Attempts to provide a rebuttal to the objection; however, the rebuttal minimally demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and does not apply the principles of charity and accuracy. The rebuttal is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.Conclusion– Provides clear and concise closing remarks that comprehensively summarize the essay. The remarks consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. Provides closing remarks that summarize the essay. The remarks mostly consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are somewhat unclear. Provides closing remarks that minimally summarizes the essay. The remarks minimally consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problems. The closing remarks are unclear and/or vague. Attempts to provide closing remarks that summarize the essay, however, the remarks do not consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are unclear and vague.The closing remarks are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions. Written Communication: Context of and Purpose for Writing Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly. Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections. Organization and presentation of content are extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read. . Written Communication: Control of Syntax and Mechanics – Displays meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains no errors and is very easy to understand. Displays comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains only a few minor errors and is mostly easy to understandDisplays basic comprehension of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains a few errors which may slightly distract the reader. Fails to display basic comprehension of syntax or mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Written work contains major errors which distract the reader. . Written Communication: Required Formatting Accurately uses required formatting consistently throughout the paper, title page, and reference page. Exhibits required formatting throughout the paper. However, layout contains a few minor errors.Exhibits limited knowledge of required formatting throughout the paper. However, layout does not meet all requirements. Fails to exhibit basic knowledge of required formatting. There are frequent errors, making the layout difficult to distinguish as required style. . Written Communication: Word Requirement The length of the paper is equivalent to the required number of words.The length of the paper is nearly equivalent to the required number of words. The length of the paper is equivalent to at least three quarters of the required number of words.The length of the paper is equivalent to at least one half of the required number of words. . Written Communication: Resource RequirementUses more than the required number of scholarly sources, providing compelling evidence to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment. Uses the required number of scholarly sources to support ideas. All sources on the reference page are used and cited correctly within the body of the assignment. Uses less than the required number of sources to support ideas. Some sources may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are used within the body of the assignment. Citations may not be formatted correctly.Uses an inadequate number of sources that provide little or no support for ideas. Sources used may not be scholarly. Most sources on the reference page are not used within the body of the assignment. Citations are not formatted correctly. .