Budget Basics

Budget Adoption Process 

The fiscal year for the City of Leavenworth begins January 1 and ends December 31. The City Manager submits a budget of estimated expenditures and revenues that is available for review by the commission and citizens by August 15.  Upon receipt of the budget estimates, the commission holds a public hearing on the proposed budget. The commission, through a reading of the budget ordinance, passes the budget by August 25. 

The Finance Director is authorized to transfer budgeted amounts between line items and departments within any fund; however, any revisions that alter the total expenditures of any fund must be approved by the City Commission.

What is the purpose of the budget?

The budget is an annual financial plan for the Leavenworth city government. It specifies the level of city services to be provided in the coming year and the resources, including personnel positions, capital expenditures, and operating expenses needed to provide these services. It reflects the policies and priorities set by the City Commissioners.

What is a Capital Improvement Plan?

Each year, the City of Leavenworth adopts a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The CIP is a flexible 5-year strategic plan, which identifies capital projects and equipment purchases, and options for financing the program.

What is a mill?

One mill is equal to $1.00 of property taxes per $1,000 of taxable value.

Understanding the Mill Levies and Taxing Units

A “mill” is equivalent to one-thousandth of a dollar ($1 of tax per $1,000 assessed valuation). Taxing units (cities, counties, school districts, etc.) identify their mill levy or tax rate as the maximum rate that can be applied against property valuation to provide revenue for the taxing unit for the budget. In 2019,  the City of Leavenworth assessed a maximum mill levy rate of 31.747. 

The following chart helps to describe the formula used for a $150,000 residential property to determine total property taxes due to the City of Leavenworth in 2021.

2021 Formula