On Wednesday, December 7 at 3 pm, MACo Winter Conference attendees gained an understanding about the county government budget process and reading complex public financial documents at the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance Core Class, “County Financial Management.”

A challenge faced by new and veteran county officials is understanding and using the government budget process, the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and other financial documents effectively as tools for setting priorities and managing government while maintaining fiscal integrity. Fiscal management can be infused with economic assumptions, technical jargon, and a process that seems foreign to the uninitiated.

At this session, Speaker Ted Zaleski, Director, Department of Management & Budget, Carroll County discussed the budget process and financial reporting, and gave practical tips for county officials. The course was moderated by the Honorable Todd Turner, Council Member, Prince George’s County.