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Budget Guide for Jail Administrators: Developing the Budget (1 of 3)

NCJ Number
197730
Author(s)
Mark D. Martin
Date Published
September 2002
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This guide, the first in a series of three, focuses on the operating budget of a jail, including development of a capital budget, and was created to enhance the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of jail administrators in jail budgeting and resource management.
Abstract

The general guidelines provided in this booklet are intended to aid jail administrators, sheriffs, police chiefs, and others who administer and operate local jails in securing the funding needed to meet their facilities' primary objectives. The main focus of this guide is on the jail operating budget but it also includes, as part of the budget process, development of a capital budget which may include appropriation of bonds or operating revenue for improvements to facilities or other infrastructure, major physical plant renovations, or new jail construction. The discussion on an effective budget process includes getting started, key elements, and benefits of an effective budget process. Budget preparation includes information on budget instructions, budget worksheets, and forms. The topic area of jail budget development includes information on doing a needs assessment, estimating budget expenditures, preparing the budget document, submitting the budget package, presenting the budget, and concludes with a discussion of the budget process as a dynamic interaction. A glossary of key budget terms, source notes, and a bibliography are included. The appendix contains sample budget forms and worksheets.