Finance Department

The City of Napa’s fiscal year begins each July 1, and the City operates on a two-year budget cycle.

What We Do

Finance personnel manage, control, and accurately report on the financial affairs of the City of Napa and the Housing Authority of the City of Napa (HACN). The department functions under the direction of the City Manager’s Office through which the needs, concerns, and desires of the citizens are ultimately expressed.

As a support function, the Finance Department works in partnership with other City departments to develop budgets, implement control measures, and establish policies and procedures aimed at accurately accounting for, safeguarding, and maximizing the value of the City’s assets. Our operations include:

• Collecting and recording of receipts for taxes, licenses, fees, grants and other revenues
• Purchasing of goods and services
• Maintaining accurate financial records
• Monitoring investments and debt
• Providing payroll services
• Overseeing adherence to budgetary restrictions
• Preparation and distribution of financial information
• Safeguarding of assets

Financial Statements

To fulfill these responsibilities, the Finance Department has established and maintains an internal control structure designed to ensure that the assets of the City, NCRA and the HACN are protected from loss, theft or misuse and to ensure that adequate accounting data are compiled to allow for the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

Said statements are issued in the form of the City of Napa’s Basic Financial Statement. The full report is also available at the City Clerk’s Office and the Finance Department at City Hall. The Basic Financial Statement details the City’s financial activity and position, which is audited by an independent firm of Certified Public Accountants. The report is the culmination of the City’s fiscal year financial activity.

Budgets

Additionally, the department is instrumental in the compilation of the City of Napa Budget . The Budget establishes management’s fiscal plan for the City and is the control tool employed and referenced throughout the period by City staff. The services, programs, revenues and expenses contained in the Budget reflect the methods and use of resources through which staff intends to accomplish the goals, objectives and long-term plan of the City of Napa.

View Frequently Asked Questions about the FY 2019/20 and FY 2020/21 budgets here.

Master Fee Schedule

City staff regularly reviews the costs of providing services to the community, and recommends that fees and charges be established in amounts that are based on an equitable allocation of those costs to those who benefit from those services. These charges are compiled in the City’s Master Fee Schedule. The Master Fee Schedule is typically updated each calendar year, and additional changes may be approved via Council resolution throughout the year.