What is the purpose of a capital budget?

The purpose of a capital budget is to manage and allocate funding for long-term investments. This budget typically focuses on significant expenditures that will benefit the municipality over multiple years, such as infrastructure development, land acquisition, and major equipment purchases. Capital budgets are essential for planning and prioritizing projects that have a long-term impact on community growth and development. They help municipalities ensure they allocate resources effectively to enhance public facilities, improve services, and promote economic development.

In contrast, daily operational expenses are covered by the operational budget, not the capital budget. While public safety can be a part of long-term investments, it is not the sole focus of a capital budget. Similarly, salaries, which are recurring costs associated with staffing and daily operations, are also funded through the operational budget rather than the capital budget.