The executive and legislative branches of the city government agreed to increase the proposed annual budget of the city from the previous P2.230 billion to P2.255 billion to accommodate a number of priority programs not provided appropriations.
The adjustment on the proposed 2020 city budget was made by the members of the city finance committee on the beginning balance from P200 million to P235 million to accommodate the P15 million funding needed for the city’s hosting of the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) and the P20 million required for the city government’s educational assistance to indigent residents wanting to pursue their studies.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, who attended the regular session of the city legislative body last Monday, agreed in principle to the proposed increase in the city’s annual budget but city legislators will be informed of any adjustments if the proposed increase will not be covered by available revenues to be generated by the city.
Under the proposed annual budget of the city next year, the sources of funds include beginning balance – P200 million, tax revenue – P518,212,938, non-tax revenue – P345,850,000, external sources – P1,165,937,062.
Among the expenditures of the city government where the budget will be used include personal services – P820,826,000, maintenance and other operating expenses – P741,766,000, capital outlay – P262,008,000, special purpose appropriations – P405,340,000.
The proposed 2020 annual budget of the city that was increased represents the strategic priority projects, programs and activities of the city government that is anchored on the 15-point core agenda of the administration.
Earlier, there was a concerted planning session of both the executive and legislative departments resulting to an agreed executive-legislative agenda for 3 years that gave the opportunity for city officials to examine the city government’s existing processes, assess most pressing concerns and suggested potential operational innovations and efficiencies, cost reductions and new revenue sources.
The city legislative body agreed to conduct the necessary hearings and consultations with the concerned offices of the city to ensure the planned programs, projects and activities of the city will be funded to realize the overall objective of the administration to have a better Baguio after 3 years.
Under the pertinent provisions of Republic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of the Philippines, local legislative bodies have until March next year or the first 90 days of the coming year to deliberate on the proposed annual budget of the city once it will not be able to pass the same by the end of the year.
If the city legislative body will not pass the budget by the end of the year, the city government will operate on a re-enacted budget until such time that the same will be approved within the first 90 days of the year.
By Dexter A. See
