Navigating Municipal Services: Resources for Effective Local Governance

Municipal Services are the backbone of any thriving community. They encompass a wide range of essential functions that local governments provide to ensure the well-being and smooth operation of cities, counties, and townships. From financial management and budget oversight to compliance and essential resources, understanding and effectively utilizing municipal services is crucial for local leaders and administrators.

This page serves as a comprehensive hub for resources related to municipal services, designed to assist municipalities in navigating the complexities of local governance. Whether you are preparing your annual budget, ensuring audit compliance, or seeking guidance on specific regulations, you will find valuable tools and information here.

FY2025 Budget Planning and Resources

Effective budget management is paramount for municipal solvency and the delivery of quality public services. As municipalities prepare for Fiscal Year 2025, a suite of resources is available to streamline the budgeting process and ensure compliance.

2025 Budget Workbooks: These workbooks are essential tools for developing and organizing your budget for the upcoming fiscal year. They provide a structured framework to input financial data and ensure accurate calculations. 2025 Budget Workbooks
Preparing the Budget – Documents Needed: This document outlines all the necessary documentation required when preparing your municipal budget. Having these documents in order will facilitate a smoother and more efficient budget creation process. Preparing the Budget – Documents Needed (.pdf)

Alt text: Document checklist for preparing a municipal budget, detailing essential financial records and reports.
Budget Checklist and Timeline: Stay on track with critical budget deadlines and requirements using this checklist and timeline. It provides a step-by-step guide to ensure all necessary actions are completed on time. Budget Checklist and Timeline (.pdf)
Budget Amendment Workbooks: Circumstances can change, requiring budget adjustments. These workbooks are designed to help municipalities effectively manage and document budget amendments throughout the fiscal year. Budget Amendment Workbooks
Alcohol Tax Estimates for 2025 Budgets: For municipalities that collect alcohol taxes, these estimates provide crucial data for revenue projections in the upcoming budget. Accurate tax revenue estimations are vital for realistic budget planning. Alcohol Tax Estimates for the 2025 Budgets (.pdf)
City and County Special Highway Fund Estimates for 2025: Municipalities responsible for highway funds will find these estimates essential for planning and allocating resources for road maintenance and infrastructure projects. Separate documents are available for cities and counties.
- City Special Highway Fund Estimates (.pdf)
- County Special Highway Fund Estimates (.pdf)
KSA 79-2988/Revenue Neutral Rate Resources: Understanding the Revenue Neutral Rate is crucial for property tax considerations. This resource provides information on KSA 79-2988 and related resources to help municipalities navigate this aspect of budgeting. KSA 79-2988/Revenue Neutral Rate Resources

Audit Compliance and Resources

Maintaining financial transparency and accountability is a core function of municipal services. Regular audits are essential to ensure public trust and regulatory compliance.

Audit Filing Fee Increase (Effective August 1, 2023): Please be aware of the updated audit filing fees, which increased on August 1, 2023. The new fees are $200 for Rural Water Districts and education entities and $300 for all other municipalities. Ensure you are using the correct fee structure for all audit filings submitted on or after this date.
Municipal Audit Submission Instructions: This document provides detailed instructions on how to properly submit your municipal audit. Following these instructions carefully will help ensure a smooth and compliant audit filing process. Municipal Audit Submission Instructions

Alt text: Cover page of the Municipal Audit Submission Instructions document, highlighting key guidelines for local government audit filings.
Audit Resources: Access a range of resources designed to support municipalities through the audit process. These resources include guidance documents, forms, and information to assist both municipal staff and auditors.

Essential Budget Resources and Guidance

Beyond the annual budget workbooks, a variety of resources are available to assist municipalities with different aspects of budget management throughout the year.

Instructions for E-budget Submissions: For municipalities utilizing electronic budget submissions, this document provides step-by-step instructions for navigating the process. Instructions for E-budget Submissions (.doc)
Budget Transfers – Guidance by Entity Type: Budget transfers are a common necessity. Resources tailored to specific municipal entities (Counties, Cities, Townships, Special Districts) provide guidance on legally and effectively managing budget transfers.
Non-Budgeted Funds – Guidance by Entity Type: Handling non-budgeted funds requires specific procedures. Resources are available to guide different types of municipalities in managing these funds appropriately.
Checklists for Budget Management:

Key Dates and Deadlines: Calendars for Municipal Clerks and Treasurers

Staying informed about important dates and deadlines is crucial for compliance and effective administration. These calendars are tailored for specific municipal roles to help track key timelines.

Confirming State Payments and Revolving Funds

Easily access confirmation resources for state payments and state revolving funds.

Quick Access to Audit and Budget Filing Pages

Direct links for simplified navigation to audit and budget filing sections.

Frequently Asked Questions: Budget and Audit Law

Navigate common questions and challenges related to budget and audit law with these helpful FAQs.

Additional Resources for Municipalities

Explore further resources relevant to municipal operations, including levy rates, annual report forms, and procedural guidelines.

Other Useful Tools and Information

External Agency Resources

Connect with valuable external organizations that support municipal services.

Contact the Municipal Services Team

For direct assistance and further inquiries, please reach out to our dedicated Municipal Services Team.

Mandy Patek

Municipal Services Team
Office of Accounts and Reports
700 SW Harrison, Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66603

Phone: (785)-296-6033
Fax: (785)-296-1477
Email: [email protected]

Isaac Dailey