Revised Criteria - Capital Budget

Revised Criteria - Capital Budget

Criteria includes both “primary questions” and “secondary questions.”  Primary questions are intended to apply to all (or almost all) governments and will be used to determine scores for completeness. Secondary questions are intended to provide additional guidance and options for communicating information.  Secondary questions may not apply to all governments and should only be included in budget communications if relevant to a particular targeted audience.  

Budget Questions

How is capital spending defined?
  • What is the definition of capital? 
  • Is this definition used consistently across the budget? 

What is the level of capital spending?
  • How is the level of capital spending determined? 
  • Has capital spending increased/decreased? 
  • How much capital spending is part of recurring program? 

How are capital projects prioritized?
  • How were needs determined? 
  • What unmet needs are not budgeted for this year? 
  • How do you manage lifecycle costs of assets? 

How is the capital budget funded?
  • What revenue sources contribute to capital spending? 

Is capital spending for new assets, replacement assets, or to rehabilitate existing assets?
  • Why are new projects necessary? 
  • What capital spending is for new projects? 
  • What capital spending is for replacements (or major rehab)? 
  • What is the operating impact and future cost of deferred capital spending? 
  • What are future operating costs and can the budget accommodate it?   

What are the major projects?
  • What benefit will projects provide? 
  • When are projects expected to occur? 
  • How are projects funded (funding sources)? 
  • Are projects fully funded? 
  • Are any projects contingent on receiving future funding commitments? 

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