Foundations of Fiscal Management – Budget Preparation

Instructor:  Fred Bean

Fred Bean brings unique depth in public-sector leadership, with 23+ years as a Pennsylvania municipal manager and 17 years administering local government health insurance cooperatives. A past APMM president, he instructs for APMM, and the PA Municipal League, and has served as a guest lecturer for ICMA, MCCMA, and DCED. Fred holds degrees from James Madison University and Shippensburg University and completed the National Security Seminar at the US Army War College. Fred retired in 2024 but stays active with ICMA and APMM as an Honorary Member. 

This session is designed to be interactive. To encourage open discussion and active participation, this session will not be recorded. Come prepared to turn on your camera, share your thoughts, and participate in the conversation. Your experiences and insights will help make the learning meaningful for everyone.

Course Description

Make Every Dollar Count for Your Community—Budget with Confidence and Purpose

This practical, engaging course provides a comprehensive guide to developing a municipal budget. Designed for newly elected officials, municipal staff, and anyone involved in local government finance, the session demystifies the budgeting process and equips participants with the knowledge needed to make responsible financial decisions.

Through interactive discussion, real-world examples, and hands-on activities, participants will explore the core principles of fiscal management and how they directly inform the creation of a sound municipal budget. The course also covers the legal and statutory framework that governs financial oversight, the roles and responsibilities of municipal officials, and the revenue sources and financial challenges unique to local government.

Whether you are new to municipal budgeting or looking to sharpen your skills, this session provides the tools, terminology, and guidance needed to support long-term fiscal health in your community.

Key Topics

• What fiscal management means for local governments
• Legal and statutory requirements for municipal financial oversight
• The step-by-step budget development process
• Primary revenue sources and common financial pitfalls
• Strategies for cost savings and revenue enhancement

Who Should Attend

• Local government officials
• Finance staff
• Newly elected officials
• Municipal managers
• Department leaders
• Anyone involved in budget planning or fiscal oversight

By the end of this course, participants can expect to be able to:

1. Define core fiscal management concepts and responsibilities
2. Identify the legal requirements for managing municipal finances
3. Describe the major components and phases of a municipal budget
4. Identify primary municipal revenue sources
5. Apply fundamental municipal budgeting principles

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Registration

• Send a message to lla@pml.org for group rates for 10 or more registrants
• By registering for this course, you are authorizing the League Learning Academy to forward information to you at your email address related to educational offerings.
• Once your registration is completed, you should receive a confirmation email from The PA Municipal League. It contains the zoom link to the course. If you do not receive an email, check your spam folder.
• Participants must attend the entire 3-hour session to earn a course certificate.

Cancellation & No‑Show Policy

• Cancellations must be submitted in writing at least 72 hours before the class to receive a full refund.
• Cancellations after 72 hours may receive a partial refund, minus a processing fee.
• No‑shows or failure to cancel will forfeit the full registration fee