Who must approve the municipal government’s budget?

The municipal government’s budget must be approved by the governing body or municipal council. This approval process is crucial as it ensures that the budget is aligned with the municipality's financial plans and operational objectives. The governing body, which typically consists of elected officials, has the responsibility to propose, review, and adopt the budget.

This system of checks and balances is designed to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency within local government. The governing body evaluates the budget based on the community’s needs and priorities and ensures that it complies with state laws and local regulations.

While the mayor or township supervisor may play a significant role in the preparation and presentation of the budget, they do not have unilateral authority to approve it. Similarly, while the state governor and the local finance board may have oversight roles in certain cases, the final approval rests with the governing body or municipal council. This delineation emphasizes the importance of local governance in financial responsibility and decision-making.