Jackson Township (Ocean)
1511 Please see Color Key at bottom of sheet for limits on answers
Answer Question Comments
Budget Preparation and Presentation - BP
28 Yes In preparing your annual budget it is important for both the governing body and public to understand the concept of surplus and how it accumulates (or declines) over the years. A formal policy regarding surplus serves as a basis for decisions concerning future financial solvency, and the lack of a policy could lead bond rating agencies to downgrade your municipality's credit rating. In developing said surplus policy your CFO should analyze and explain at least a five-year trend of surplus; illustrating the factors causing each annual increase or decrease. A surplus policy with realistic and sustainable goals can then be determined. Does your municipality have a written policy goal for the amount of surplus available in support of municipal operations, and is this goal evaluated annually?
29 Yes In preparing your annual budget, it is important that the impact that current budgeting decisions may have on future years' budgets be presented, evaluated and considered before the governing body takes final action. Long term plans concerning revenue, appropriations, tax levy, tax levy cap and surplus are critical to sustaining (or achieving) a solid fiscal condition. Are budget projections 1) factoring in the impact that the current year's budget may have on the future tax levy (as restricted by the levy cap) and future surplus balances for at least two future year's budgets, and 2) are these budget projections discussed with the governing body?
30 N/A Certain municipalities have indirectly pledged prompt payment (i.e. issued a guarantee) of debt service with respect to debt issued by counties, independent authorities or developers. Bond Rating Agencies (e.g. Moody's, Fitch, Standard & Poor's) have downgraded certain municipalities' bond ratings to below investment grade for lack of preparation in the event a lender calls in a debt guarantee. If your municipality guarantees any debt, are direct service revenues that may be pledged against debt repayment monitored by the municipal CFO; and to the extent that cash flow from pledged revenue will not satisfy the debt repayment, are sufficient funds held in reserve to satisfy the guarantee or is an existing authorization in place to issue debt (e.g. a bond ordinance) in the event a lender calls in the guarantee?
31 Yes Do elected officials receive a written status report at least quarterly on all budget revenues and appropriations as they correspond to the annual adopted budget?
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