Translate[Archived] Question #06: How can we produce a “budget simulation” similar to those developed in Akron, Ohio; Peoria, Illinois; and Montgomery County, Maryland?
Question:
How can we produce a “budget simulation” similar to those developed in Akron, Ohio; Peoria, Illinois; and Montgomery County, Maryland? (Councilman Chapman)
Response:
There are private companies that develop a standardized budget simulation package for local governments. As with most off-the-shelf software, there are typically additional charges for enhanced customization. Montgomery County, MD and Akron, OH are contracting with a company to provide those services. The estimated cost based on Montgomery County’s experience is $10,000 for the software and 40-50 hours of staff time to coordinate the implementation as well as additional staff time to assist with data importation, content development, testing, and public outreach. ITS would need to review and approve any software and determine what if any resources would be required to support it. Montgomery County’s budget simulator is no longer available on their website, however pages 23 to 26 of the following link show what it looked like.
Over the course of the budget process, OMB has received interest in a variety of budgeting approaches such as online simulators, adapting the resident survey, continuing priority-based budgeting, developing multi-year budgeting, extending the duration of the budget cycle, and increasing civic engagement. Staff recommends using the FY 2020 budget debrief to define the outcomes most desired by Council and the community, develop a set of strategies for achieving them, and identify the resources necessary for their implementation.