Michigan Public Policy Survey (MPPS) Spring 2014, Question 28h

Government's current policies/practices for reserve or stabilization accounts or other fund reserves

Full Question Text

Some local governments adopt formal policies regarding financial planning and management, while others take a more informal approach. Below is a list of recommendations from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Thinking across your jurisdiction's various types of funds, generally speaking, please identify which of the following descriptions most closely represents your government's current policies or practices, if any, for reserve or stabilization accounts or other fund reserves (policy(s) to maintain a prudent level of financial resources to weather temporary revenue shortfalls or one-time expenditures).

Jurisdiction Type Crosstabulation
% within Jurisdiction Type
  Jurisdiction Type Total
County Township City Village
Thinking across your jurisdiction's various types of funds, generally speaking, please identify which of the following descriptions most closely represents your government's current policies or practices regarding reserve or stabilization accounts or other fund reserves. Have a written policy, strictly followed 28% 8% 20% 16% 12%
Have a written policy, loosely followed 12% 3% 14% 5% 5%
Have no written policy, but follow specific practices 37% 41% 44% 38% 41%
Have no specific policies or practices 17% 27% 16% 20% 24%
Not Applicable 3% 11% 4% 9% 9%
Don't Know 3% 10% 2% 12% 9%