Debt Service Funds - Debt Service Funds are used to account for the accumulation of resources for, and the payment of, general long-term obligation principal, interest and related costs.

Capital Projects Funds - Capital Projects Funds are used to account for financial resources to be used for the acquisition or construction of major capital facilities.

Enterprise Funds - The Enterprise Funds account for operations that are financed and operated in a manner similar to private business enterprises, where the intent of the City Council is that the costs (expenses including depreciation) of providing goods and services to the general public on a continuing basis be financed or recovered primarily through user charges.

The Primary Government's Enterprise funds consist of the Parkview Office Complex and the Desert Willow Golf Course. Desert Willow Golf Course is operated by a management company. The discretely presented Component Unit's fund consists of the Palm Desert Recreational Facilities Corporation, also operated by a management company.

Internal Service Funds - The Internal Service Funds account for financial transactions related to replacement of City-owned vehicles and equipment and to fund compensated absences. These services are provided to other departments or agencies of the City on a cost reimbursement basis.

The Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency Private Purpose Trust Fund is used to account for the activities of the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency.

The Custodial, Special Assessment and Treasurers 1911 Bond Act Funds are used to account for assets held by the City in a custodial capacity as a trustee. These assets include deposits placed with the City by individuals, as well as deposits from assessment district's property owners. These deposits are reduced by payments to individuals.

The City's Retiree Service Stipend Fund is used to account for assets held to pay for the retiree service stipend.

The Treasures 1991 Bond Act Fund is used to account for assets held for the Bond Act.

The major funds are as follows:

The General Fund is the general operating fund of the City. It is used to account for all financial resources except those required to be accounted for in another fund.

The Prop A Fire Tax Special Revenue Fund is used to account for all revenues derived from tax collected within the City for upgrading fire protection and prevention. Its use is restricted to obtaining, furnishing, operating and maintaining fire protection and prevention services (currently under contract with Riverside County Fire Department) equipment or apparatus. This fund is reported as a major fund because the tax collected is a voter approved measure.

The Housing Asset Special Revenue Fund is used to account for any funds generated from housing assets of the former Redevelopment Agency to be used for projects that benefit low and moderate income families.