Box Elder County Budget

What is a Budget?

In the simplest terms, budgeting is the process of allocating finite resources to the prioritized needs of an organization. Governmental budgeting allocates resources to public services and projects. Because it determines the total amount of taxes levied and on whom, governmental budgeting also allocates the burden of taxation. Budgeting balances the resources drawn from the public against the demand for services and projects, keeping taxes within acceptable limits and ensuring services are sufficient to allow for economic growth and social stability.

Budgeting helps policy makers set goals, assist program managers and department heads to improve organizational performance, and ensures that both the elected and appointed officials are accountable to the public. The budget sets forth a strategic resource allocation plan that is aligned with strategic initiatives, community goals, preferences, and needs. The budget is a policy guide; a financial plan; a communication tool; and an operations guide.