Zero-based Budgeting: One of the Taxpayer’s Best Friends

“Zero-based budgeting is not about cutting spending. It’s about finding areas where we do not need to be spending money, and then redirecting those funds to better serve the city’s priorities and provide a return on investment for taxpayers.”

Those are the words of San Antonio City Councilman Marc Whyte (D10) in a piece he wrote for the San Antonio Express-News recently.  Though we might quibble a little with the “investment” bit, this is an otherwise great idea!

Zero-based budgeting is when the budget starts from scratch, $0, every time the process begins.  Agencies, special interest groups, etc. have to routinely justify their respective missions.  While this could very well entail more work, a natural prioritization mechanism is built-in. 

Ideally the City would estimate sales tax revenue, including what is earmarked for San Antonio Ready to Work life-support (since we’re talking in terms of RoI), and THEN start prioritizing spending.  Nowhere in this calculation should be property tax seizure.

Frivolous, wasteful spending would more likely be exposed.  This is all to the benefit of the taxpayer. 

We will continue following this story, eagerly.