finance

City Budget & Finance

The City of Dearborn is responsible for passing a budget annually by June 30 to fund the City and its operations for the coming fiscal year, which begins on July 1 each year.

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

The following budget documents apply to Fiscal Year 2025 (FY2025), which begins on July 1st, 2024, and concluding on June 30th, 2025. 

 

Previously Adopted Budgets

The City is required to maintain budget documents for the past seven years, plus the current year. 

Budget Process

The City of Dearborn observes a fiscal year of July 1 - June 30. This means that the City must pass funding for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes anything occurring between July 1 and June 30 of the next year, by June 13th each year. 

The Mayor submits budget recommendations on behalf of City departments and staff and then works with the City Council and the City’s Finance Department to shape and balance the proposed budget, as needed. The City’s budget is voted on (adopted) by Dearborn’s seven-member elected City Council. 

The Finance Department supports the Mayor’s Office and City Council in drafting and passing a budget and ensures transparency and accountability throughout the process. 

Passing the City’s Budget

The process to pass the City budget traditionally involves the following steps:

Mayor submits budget recommendations

In early April, the Mayor provides a proposed budget to the City Council. Each City department is invited to submit recommendations and requests for the City budget, all of which are evaluated by the Mayor and the Treasury/Finance Department for inclusion in the Mayor’s final budget recommendations. 
 

Budget workshops

After the Mayor submits a proposed budget, the City Council, Mayor, and Finance Department hold a public forum with each City department to review data from the previous fiscal year and discuss their requests for the upcoming fiscal year. 

City Council study sessions

After concluding budget workshops with departments, the City Council reviews the proposed budget during study sessions, wherein members of the Council discuss the details of the budget and prepare the budget for adoption.

Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget & Tax Rate

Before the budget can be adopted, the City hosts an open hearing for the public to participate in the budget process. Public Hearing dates are posted once determined by the City Council. 
 

Budget is adopted

The City Council adopts the budget, typically during a special scheduled Council meeting, by June 13 each year. A copy of the budget is prepared and posted online.

 

 

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) is completed after the City Fiscal Year ends. This report contains the financial statements, schedule expenditures for federal awards, and audit opinions.      

 

 

The most recently completed audit was FY2024. The City received an Unmodified Opinion (best opinion), noting that the financial statements are presented fairly in all materials and in accordance with accounting standards.

Previous Annual Comprehensive Financial Reports

The City is required to maintain budget documents for the past seven years, plus the current year. 
 

Annual Administrative Reports

Annual Administrative Reports outline departmental successes and operating information for the Fiscal Year reported. The City is required to maintain these reports for the past seven years, plus the current year. 

City, Village & Township Revenue Sharing

The City of Dearborn actively participates in Michigan's City, Village and Township Revenue Sharing (CVTRS) Program, formerly known as the Economic Vitality Incentive Program (EVIP). This program requires that the City fulfill requirements set by the state in the areas of Accountability and Transparency in order to receive CVTRS funding.

 

For more information on CVTRS, visit the State of Michigan Treasury Department website. 

Budget Studies & Information

The City’s budget is funded by local tax revenue from both property and business and commercial taxes, revenue sharing from the State of Michigan, revenue from City services, and program support from Wayne County, grants, and other public sources.