Timeline

Preparing the annual budget is nearly a year-round process with budget development beginning in January for county departments. Smaller departmental budget changes or transfers can take place throughout the year, but major appropriations & spending priority changes can only take place when planning for the new budget each fiscal year. All meetings are open to the public. The links below open agendas & videos of meetings.

Workshops

Strategic planning workshops for the coming fiscal year typically occur in January, before the end of the current fiscal year. During these workshops, the county commission sets its priorities for the upcoming budget year. Based on this direction, county staff begin to work on their departmental budgets, evaluating programs, & planning for potential cuts or increases.

Budget workshops for the coming fiscal year typically occur in July, before the end of the current fiscal year.

Workshop schedule

During budget workshops, the county commission reviews the departments' proposed budgets & gives additional direction. Watch these workshops live at the links below as the workshops are ongoing, or watch recorded video after the workshop is completed. Video links will be added as they become available.

County commission's responsibility

The county commission is responsible for establishing the budget for the 23 departments & offices that make up county government (e.g., the Public Library System, Animal Services, & Fire Rescue).

The county commission approves the budget for the five, independent constitutional offices (clerk of the circuit court & comptroller, property appraiser, sheriff, supervisor of elections, & tax collector), but each officer makes its own funding priorities, staff salaries, & purchasing decisions.

The county commission is not involved in the budgets or operation of Marion County Public Schools; the cities of Ocala, Dunnellon, & Belleview; or the towns of Reddick & McIntosh.