NRH Budget Development Cycle - from published 2004/05 City Budget

            Notice that the City Council does not see the budget until July and must hold hearings and approve it in late August.  The Council is not a participant in the planning or preparation of the budget.  There are no restraints on staff spending and all know that there will be increased revenues due to "holding the rate" with increased valuations each year.  There is no provision for public viewing of the budget prior to the so called "hearings".  The actual budget is not provided to the public until months after approval by the council.