The Town of Carolina Beach starts its budget process in January and works methodically until its adoption in June  In addition to the routine work involved in preparing a budget, the process at Carolina Beach makes a point of soliciting input/suggestions from Employees, Department Heads, Town Manager, Mayor, Town Council, and Citizens.  The Council and Staff believe that a high level of involvement aids in establishing practical goals, addressing current community needs, and helps to foster a better understanding of the "big picture" in Carolina Beach -- so needs can be identified, understood, and addressed and effective manner.  The following is a general outline of the budget/preparation schedule each year:

January:
-Council sets a public hearing date for February Council Meeting to receive requests from non-profit groups
-Budget Kickoff Meeting with Department Heads to discuss preliminary budget
-Manager meets with Finance Director to discuss revenue projections
-Advertisement in Island Gazette noticing of public hearing in February  

February:
-First public hearing held to receive budget requests from non-profit groups
-Council sets a public hearing date for March Council Meeting to give the community the opportunity to voice their needs and concerns for the coming year.
-First budget workshop with Council to discuss preliminary budget – finance Officer presents revenue estimates for the upcoming year and five year financial projections, and recommends “bottom line” financial goals.
-Submittal of proposed departmental budgets, including CIP, to town manager

March:
-Individual department heads meet with Town Manager to review budgets
-Second public hearing held in order to give the community the opportunity to voice their needs and concerns for the coming year
-Town Manager meets with department heads to review and select CIP projects
-Town Council holds second budget workshop to discuss Draft Budget

April:
-Council sets public hearing date for third public hearing for May Council meeting for proposed budget 
-Town Council holds third budget workshop
-Advertisement runs in Island Gazette noticing public of public hearing in May

May:
-Town Council holds fourth budget workshop
-Town Council holds third public hearing- Manager presents Recommended New FY Budget
-Town Council holds final budget workshop

June:
-Adoption of New FY Budget