Glossary Flashcards
Apportionment
At the federal level this is OMBs approval to use a portion of the legislatively approved budgetary authority.
Appropriated Budget
Budget that has been passed by the legislative branch - has the effect of law
Appropriation
Legislative enactment that creates spending authority - the legal authority to incur expenses and spend money
Authorization
Legislative enactment that approves programs prescribes what activities an agency may pursue if funding is available
Block Grant
One type of formula grant. Block grants combine several service categories into one grant and thus allow maximum flexibility to the grantee to use the funds to meet local needs.
Capital Budget
Forecasts and controls spending for “big ticket” items that are acquired and used over a period of several years (i.e. construction). Used at state and local levels.
Capital Lease
A lease of real property that meets defined criteria requiring the government to report the property as if it were purchased with the proceeds of long-term debt.
Cash-Flow Budget
Forecasts the timing and amount of cash flows for a period. Used to project required cash levels.
Categorical Grant
One type of formula grant that can be used only for a narrowly defined purpose
Central Management Agencies
Governmental Agencies that provide central management services to other components (i.e. OMB).
Certificate of Excellence in Accountability Reporting (CEAR)
An AGA program that helps federal agencies and their components produce effective, high-qualities Performance and Accountability Reporting/Agency Financial Reports.
Certificate of Participation
Form of shared government financing. Several financial institutions share in a loan arrangement with a government entity.
Charter
Local government version of a constitution. States may provide for the establishment of local governments through charters
Checks and Balances
Process by which one branch of government can constrain the actions of the other branches. Flows from separation of powers.
Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act
A 1990 law that among other provisions requires the federal governments major executive branch agencies to have a CFO. Prescribes duties and reporting requirements and requires audited financial statements.
Commission
Government component established by law, statues, or ordinance. May be permanent to temporary. Because it is established by law it may have greater autonomy and authority than government components that are administratively established (i.e. Federal Communications Commission (FCC))
Component
Organized unit of government such as agency, office, or department.
Consumption Tax
Broad category of tax that includes sales, use, excise, and value-added taxes.
Continuity of Operations
Efforts to ensure the organization can sustain essential operations, regardless of planned or unplanned incidents or disruptions
Covenant (bond)
Legal requirements pertaining to a specific bond issue. Typically defines the maturity date, revenue stream, interest rate and repayment schedule. May require a sinking fund and may specify conditions that must be met while the bonds are outstanding, and/or before new debt can be issued.
Debt
Money owed by the entity to individual or organizational creditors. Usually as a result of planned short or long term borrowing to finance government objectives. `
Dedicated Collections
Taxes levied or other revenues collected to finance a specific activity. Proceeds are deposited into a special account restricted to that activity (earmarked or restricted taxes)
Deficit
When government expenditures for a specific fiscal period exceed revenues and other financial resources inflows.
Discretionary Grant
A term used to mean project grant
Due Care
To discharge professional responsibilities with competence and diligence to the best of ones ability and with the same level of ability and skill as others in similar positions. It also means to act in the best interest of those served.