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EXHIBIT 1 <br />City of Santa Ana <br />= Council Policy <br />Mayor's Authorization <br />Subject Council Approval Date: <br />BUDGET AND FINANCIAL POLICIES m nlGET 9- <br />FINANCIAL9— <br />FINANCIAL POLICIES June6 2017 <br />Background <br />The severity of the recent economic recession highlighted the need to establish and maintain adequate reserve <br />policies to offset significant economic downturns and unforeseen rising costs more effectively. In 2002, The <br />Government Finance Officers' Association (GFOA) recommended reserve levels equal to a minimum of 5%to 15% <br />of operating revenues or one to two months of operating expenditures as a basis to establish sound reserve levels. <br />Adoption of a formal City Budget and Reserve Policy will provide a basis to manage significant financial events more <br />effectively in the future. <br />PURPOSE <br />The City's reserve policy will define the recommended level for reserves for the General Fund as well as internal <br />and enterprise operations. The policy will outline a timeframe and plan that will assist the City in meeting the <br />minimum General Fund requirements overthe course of the next few years. It will also establish criteria for the use <br />of reserves and establish a process by which to replenish reserves if used. It is the intent to focus on the General <br />Fund initially and incorporate additional reserve policies for internal and enterprise funds over the next fiscal year. <br />General Fund GENERAL FUND <br />The General Fund is the general operating fund for the City. It accounts for all general revenues including sales tax, <br />property tax, business tax, hotel visitors tax, as well as otherfees and charges. It is the basis to fund general ongoing <br />City operations such as police, fire (contract services), recreation, planning and building as well as other general <br />support services. Furthermore, the following budget policy directives are recommended to be <br />continued/implemented in order to maintain Positive operating reserve levels: <br />General Fund Budget Policy Directives <br />It shall be established that a balanced budget will be presented annually to the City Council for adoption. A <br />balanced budget will be defined as ongoing recurring operating revenues matching ongoing recurring <br />operating expenditures including debt service. <br />One time or term specific funding can only be used to match one-time non-recurrin <br />expenditures; with the exception of during a budget deficit, term specific projects and programs, as well as <br />capital expenditures. <br />- In order to ensure a balanced budget objective, the City will continue to pursue internal operational <br />efficiencies and strategies, such as technology, that minimize City costs and impacts to City services. <br />Budget & Financial Polices 65C-5 Page 1 <br />