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1. What is a budget?

In simple terms, a budget is an entity's plan for its financial resources. It is an estimate of proposed expenses for a given period and the proposed means of paying for them. Two basic components of the budget are the revenue section and the expenditure section.

2. How does the county track its budget?

With 5,000 line items and dozens of organizations within its purview, Monroe County relies on computers with sophisticated budgeting software to help with budgeting and accounting. Like many counties in Florida, the Monroe County clerk of the circuit court performs the day-to-day accounting, such as writing checks to vendors and processing payroll. The Monroe County Office of Management and Budget, under the county administrator, prepares the budget using a computerized budget preparation system.

3. How does the county generate revenue?

Monroe County raises revenues from a variety of sources, including property taxes, licenses and permits, revenues from federal and state sources, charges for services, fines and forfeitures, grants, rents, and interest.

It is important to understand that the county has the ability to combine property taxes and other revenues to support a broad range of activities. The county also uses property taxes and other revenues to supplement programs receiving grant funds from the state and federal government. If grants or other funding decrease, the county must decide whether to raise tax revenues to support these various programs or reduce services.

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1. What organizations does Monroe County fund?

Monroe County funds nonprofit human service and community service organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) status and serve Monroe County. Other requirements, such as licensing, may also apply.

2. When are applications available?

Applications are available typically in February. Contact the grants administrator at
305-292-4470 for more information.

3. Who decides what is funded?

The Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB), appointed by the County Commission, makes funding recommendations to the commission after reviewing applications and talking to applicants at its meeting in May. The commission normally considers the HSAB recommendations at its July budget hearing and may make changes if it wishes. Funding amounts become final when the budget is adopted in September.