Budget Cabinet

About the Program

Category: Financial Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2015

Wake County Human Services (WCHS) was the first consolidated Social Services and Public Health agency in the State of North Carolina. As a result of the consolidation and loss of administrative staff leading up to an economic recession, there were not enough fiscal professionals to manage a large complex budget representing 8 divisions and 600 separate cost centers. Under the Department’s vision of shared leadership, a Budget Cabinet was chartered and key staff, were appointed in May 2010. The plan was to build fiscal capacity to manage, by utilizing existing resources made up of Program Directors/Managers and a limited number of Fiscal Professionals. The purpose of the Budget Cabinet is to promote sound budget management, accountability and best practices which comply with Federal, State and Local laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Furthermore, the Budget Cabinet strives to maximize revenues in order to offset operational expenses while ensuring the effective and efficient use of all available resources. Over the first 4 years of its existence, the Budget Cabinet has contributed many positive outcomes which align with the Department’s Strategic Plan and Objectives. Among the list of accomplishments include: • Re-organized the budget structure which is simpler to manage reducing the number of cost centers from approximately 600 to 240. • Increased the capacity for sound fiscal management by utilizing and training existing Program Director / Managerial positions to be fiscal stewards of the taxpayer’s dollars. • Increased managerial competency in budget management through an on-going educational component. • Improved management of encumbrances resulting in more efficient use of finite resources, resulting in fewer unspent dollars left on the table at year end. • Maximized external revenues to enhance fiscal resources and reduce the dependency on local funding. • Improved accountability and compliance with fiscal policies and procedures. • Strengthened internal controls through written Standard Operating Procedures. • Being consistent with acceptable governmental and financial management practices. The WCHS Budget Cabinet meets monthly, carrying out its responsibilities and promoting positive outcomes to fiscal challenges. This innovative approach to Budget Management is the cornerstone for financial success in Wake County Human Services.