For the last discussion I want to focus on capital improvements as it pertains to budgeting. Before beginning the discussion, be sure to read Chapter 11, the associated lecture, and review the example CIPs in the short reading folder.
In most communities, capital improvements make up a large percentage of the budget – in some cases, 50% or more of all government expenditures. These projects can range from the normal to the absurd depending on the community.
For this discussion, I want you to consider the capital projects that your local community has budgeted for during the next year (this should be easy if you are working on your final paper!).
1. Do the projects seem reasonable given what you know about the community and its needs?
2. Are there any projects within the budget that you find surprising or inappropriate? Why?
3. Do the project costs seem affordable to the community?
4. Who is slated to pay for the project, if you know – current taxpayers (pay as you go) or future taxpayers (funded with debt/future revenue)?
In most communities, capital improvements make up a large percentage of the budget – in some cases, 50% or more of all government expenditures. These projects can range from the normal to the absurd depending on the community.
For this discussion, I want you to consider the capital projects that your local community has budgeted for during the next year (this should be easy if you are working on your final paper!).
1. Do the projects seem reasonable given what you know about the community and its needs?
2. Are there any projects within the budget that you find surprising or inappropriate? Why?
3. Do the project costs seem affordable to the community?
4. Who is slated to pay for the project, if you know – current taxpayers (pay as you go) or future taxpayers (funded with debt/future revenue)?
