Committed
Represents amounts that can only be used for specific purposes pursuant to constraints
imposed by resolution of the City’s Board of Aldermen. The City Charter designated the
Board of Aldermen as its appropriating authority. This fund balance classification includes
general fund escrows for non-lapsing appropriations, capital reserve funds set aside by Board
of Alderman resolution for future capital acquisitions and improvements (now reported as
part of the general fund per GASB 54), various special revenue funds, and capital project
funds. A similar action is needed to modify or rescind a commitment.
Assigned
Represents amounts that are constrained by the City’s intent to use these resources for a
specific purpose. A portion of this fund balance classification represents an amount applied
by the Board of Aldermen to reduce the next year’s tax rate. In addition, this fund balance
classification includes general fund encumbrances (purchase orders) that have been
established by various City departments for the expenditure of current year budgetary
financial resources upon vendor performance in the subsequent budgetary period. The City’s
Revised Ordinances (NRO) permits the Chief Financial Officer to make assignments.
Unassigned
Represents amounts that are available to be spent in future periods and temporary deficit
balances in nonmajor governmental funds.
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