Gov. Doug Burgum is making a few changes to the budgeting process for state agencies.
Burgum unveiled the changes at what’s been called a “JEL” meeting – “JEL” standing for “Judicial, Executive and Legislative.” He told the agency heads and state employees attending, he wants to start a "strategic planning project."
"Strategy has to drive budget," Burgum said.
State agencies will receive a template in October to start the budget planning process, then during January through March, the agencies will meet with OMB, to look at efficiencies, and ways agencies can work together.
"Coming out of that process, that's when we'll issue budget guidelines," Burgum said.
A process was started two years ago, but Burgum said the timing wasn't right.
Burgum told those attending the meeting he’s initiating a strategic planning project. He said agencies will receive a template in October to start the budget planning process, then during January through March, the agencies will meet with OMB, to look at efficiencies, and ways agencies can work together.
The budget guidelines will be issued next April.
"If we come up with great ideas on how to take five percent of our cost out, and invest it someplace else, we're going to say 'Great -- fantastic,'" Burgum said. "The budget guidelines will reflect the strategic work agencies do, as opposed to being constrained by or influenced by, or impacted by, whatever guidelines we put out."
Agency budgets are due in July. Burgum will give his executive budget recommendations to the Legislature in December, 2020.