Fund balance is the net position (assets minus liabilities) of a governmental fund. Governmental funds are established to demonstrate accountability, transparency and stewardship of tax revenue, as required by state law. Douglas County has 23 governmental funds, each established for a specific purpose. Within fund balance there are five levels of constraint to comply with the pronouncements of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

The most recent Fund Balances are as of the 12/31/19 audited financial statements. The year- end audit is typically completed in the following year so there is always a delay in posting the fund balance information. At any given time, the Fund Balance will fluctuate depending on revenues received and expenses disbursed.

As the budget is developed, attention is focused on each fund’s balance to ensure it can absorb the proposed recommendations. The guiding principles that prescribe the use of the County’s fund balance are to:

Seek opportunities to maximize impacts to our communities;
Leverage funds by partnering;
Cash fund versus incurring debt;
Maintain adequate fund balance to withstand economic fluctuations; and
Prepare for emergencies.

Budget