12-07-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City of Orono Fund and Department Descriptions City Budgets can be confusing due to the number of funds and departments involved. The following descriptions of the General Fund departments and the other funds maintained by the City of Orono is designed to give the user of this document a basic understanding of the purpose of each department and fund. General Fund – This 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 General Fund budget is made up of the following departmental budgets: • Mayor and Council – The City Council oversees the policies and procedures that govern the City in promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of Orono. This budget includes the wages and employment taxes of the Council; memberships in the League of Minnesota Cities, Metro Cities, and the Suburban Rate Authority. • Administration – The Administration Department includes the City Administrator who is responsible for meeting statutory and legal obligations, implementing policy established by the City Council and ensuring the successful management of all city operations. The City Clerk and the rest of the administrative staff perform various functions such as: customer service, permits and licensing, elections, record management, and general administrative duties. • Elections – The Elections Department administers all federal, state, county, and municipal elections held in the city. Elections are held in even numbered years. • Assessing – The Assessing Department performs assessing services in accordance with the requirements of the State of Minnesota. The City maintains a contract with Hennepin County for assessing services. • Finance – The Finance Department oversees the City’s financial operations, risk management, and employee benefits. It is responsible for preparing the budget and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. • Legal – The Legal Department includes professional representation and opinion on city services and operations, prosecution services, and jail charges. The City maintains renewable contracts with both a civil law firm and a prosecutor for legal services. • Central Services – The Central Services provides for those operating expenses that encompass all General Fund city departments with the exception of the Police Department. Expenditures include supplies, utilities, municipal insurance coverage, janitorial, and building maintenance. • Human Services – The Human Services Department contracts with area organizations to provide for valuable services for the community. Current contracts are with The Gillespie Center for senior services and Orono Community Education for summer recreation programs. City of Orono - 2021 Budget Page 7