What does a balanced CIP require regarding expenditures?

A balanced Capital Improvement Program (CIP) mandates that expenditures must equal estimated resources designated for capital spending. This approach ensures that all planned projects and investments are financially sustainable and achievable within the allowed budget constraints.

By aligning expenditures with estimated resources, the CIP helps prevent scenarios in which a jurisdiction overcommits its financial resources, leading to potential deficits or funding shortfalls. It fosters a prudent and responsible budgeting process that reflects a realistic appraisal of available funds, thereby facilitating effective planning and prioritization of capital projects.

In addition, this alignment helps to maintain transparency and accountability in financial management, as stakeholders can clearly see that anticipated expenditures are matched with projected revenues, thus enhancing the overall integrity of the budgeting process.