Scenario for Assignments 2-3 For Assignments 2 to 3, you are the new budgeting and finance administrator for your local government agency. Your first responsibility is to become familiar with the agency, the budget, programs, and capital projects. As the administrator, you will be responsible for analyzing, examining, proposing, and preparing the agency’s budget for the next five years.

Assignment 2: The Operating Budget 

Due Week 5 Refer back to the e-Activity in Week 3 (link below). 

From your local city’s budget, (Little Rock, AR) select an agency, program, or department (POLICE DEPARTMENT) in your city, and that appears as a budget item in the city budget you downloaded in Week 3. 

Assume you are the new budgeting and finance administrator for your local government agency. Your first responsibility is to become familiar with the agency, the budget, program, and capital projects. As the administrator, you will be responsible for analyzing, examining, proposing, and preparing the agency’s budget for the next five (5) years.

Write a four- to five-page paper, titled Part I: The Operating Budget for the (selected Agency/program/Department) in which you separate the content into sections:

1. Provide background information about the agency, mission, goals, objectives, departments, and strategic plan. (Title this section Introduction.)
2. Describe the budget of the agency by addressing the following items: (Title this section Budget Overview.)

   Financial Summary, including Revenue and Expenditures
   Department Budgets
   Funding
   Capital Projects
   Debt Administration.

3. Perform a Cost Analysis. (Title this section Cost Analysis.) The costs should include the following:

   Fixed Costs
   Step-fixed Costs
   Variable Costs

4. Identify and explain one to two challenges you will have in managing the budget. (Title this section Budget Challenges.)
5. Recommend two to three strategies the agency should review regarding new initiatives and budget cuts over the next five years. (Title this section Budget Recommendations.)
6. Include the agency’s most recent budget or financial plan.
7. Provide the agency’s Website name, URL, and any other sources used to support the assignment’s criteria.

NOTE:  Please see attached feedback rubric for Assignment 1, and also the rubric for this Assignment 2 ATTACHED

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

• Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

1/20/2020 Rubric Detail – PAD505006VA016-1202-001

https://blackboard.strayer.edu/webapps/rubric/do/course/gradeRubric?mode=grid&isPopup=true&rubricCount=1&prefix=_20953609_1&course_id=_26… 1/4

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Name: PAD505 Week 2 Assignment 1: Policy Brief

Description: PAD505 Week 2 Assignment 1: Policy Brief
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Did not submit or incompletely summarized the mission and budget of the department you
selected.

Partially summarized the mission and budget of the department you selected.

Satisfactorily summarized the mission and budget of the department you selected.

Thoroughly summarized the mission and budget of the department you selected.

1. Summarize the mission and budget of the department you selected.

Unacceptable 0 – 69% F 0 (0.00%) – 6.21 (3.45%)

Fair 70 – 79% C 6.3 (3.50%) – 7.11 (3.95%)

Proficient 80 – 89% B 7.2 (4.00%) – 8.01 (4.45%)

Exemplary 90 – 100% A 8.1 (4.50%) – 9 (5.00%)

Did not describe or incompletely described how/if the proposed budget includes policy
actions to reduce deficits in the near future.

Partially described how/if the proposed budget includes policy actions to reduce deficits in
the near future.

Satisfactorily described or incompletely described how/if the proposed budget includes
policy actions to reduce deficits in the near future.

Thoroughly described how/if the proposed budget includes policy actions to reduce deficits
in the near future.

2. Describe how/if the proposed budget includes policy actions to reduce the deficit in
the near future.

Unacceptable 0 – 69% F 0 (0.00%) – 24.84 (13.80%)

Fair 70 – 79% C 25.2 (14.00%) – 28.44 (15.80%)

Proficient 80 – 89% B 28.8 (16.00%) – 32.04 (17.80%)

Exemplary 90 – 100% A 32.4 (18.00%) – 36 (20.00%)

Did not explain or incompletely explained if the proposed budget puts the government on a
path to reduce the federal debt within a decade to a sustainable percentage of GDP.

3. Explain if the proposed budget puts the government on a path to reduce the federal
debt within a decade to a sustainable percentage of GDP.

Unacceptable 0 – 69% F 0 (0.00%) – 24.84 (13.80%)

Fair 70 – 79% C 25.2 (14.00%) – 28.44 (15.80%)

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1/20/2020 Rubric Detail – PAD505006VA016-1202-001

https://blackboard.strayer.edu/webapps/rubric/do/course/gradeRubric?mode=grid&isPopup=true&rubricCount=1&prefix=_20953609_1&course_id=_26… 2/4

Partially explained if the proposed budget puts the government on a path to reduce the
federal debt within a decade to a sustainable percentage of GDP.

Satisfactorily explained if the proposed budget puts the government on a path to reduce the
federal debt within a decade to a sustainable percentage of GDP.

Thoroughly explained if the proposed budget puts the government on a path to reduce the
federal debt within a decade to a sustainable percentage of GDP.

Proficient 80 – 89% B 28.8 (16.00%) – 32.04 (17.80%)
Exemplary 90 – 100% A 32.4 (18.00%) – 36 (20.00%)

Did not analyze or incompletely analyzed proposed budget and determined if it aligns
revenues and spending closely over the long term.

Partially analyzed proposed budget and determined if it aligns revenues and spending
closely over the long term.

Satisfactorily analyzed proposed budget and determined if it aligns revenues and spending
closely over the long term.

Thoroughly analyzed proposed budget and determined if it aligns revenues and spending
closely over the long term.

4. Analyze proposed budget and determine if it aligns revenues and spending closely
over the long term.

Unacceptable 0 – 69% F 0 (0.00%) – 24.84 (13.80%)
Fair 70 – 79% C 25.2 (14.00%) – 28.44 (15.80%)
Proficient 80 – 89% B 28.8 (16.00%) – 32.04 (17.80%)
Exemplary 90 – 100% A 32.4 (18.00%) – 36 (20.00%)

Did not explain or incompletely explained if the budget restrains major entitlement
programs or introduces changes in spending and tax policies that will have cumulative
beneficial fiscal effects over

time.

Partially explained if the budget restrains major entitlement programs or introduces
changes in spending and tax policies that will have cumulative beneficial fiscal effects over
time.

Satisfactorily explained if the budget restrains major entitlement programs or introduces
changes in spending and tax policies that will have cumulative beneficial fiscal effects over
time.

Thoroughly explained if the budget restrains major entitlement programs or introduces
changes in spending and tax policies that will have cumulative beneficial fiscal effects over

5. Explain if the proposed budget restrains major entitlement programs or introduces
changes in spending and tax policies that will have cumulative beneficial fiscal effects
over time.

Unacceptable 0 – 69% F 0 (0.00%) – 24.84 (13.80%)
Fair 70 – 79% C 25.2 (14.00%) – 28.44 (15.80%)
Proficient 80 – 89% B 28.8 (16.00%) – 32.04 (17.80%)
Exemplary 90 – 100% A 32.4 (18.00%) – 36 (20.00%)

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1/20/2020 Rubric Detail – PAD505006VA016-1202-001

https://blackboard.strayer.edu/webapps/rubric/do/course/gradeRubric?mode=grid&isPopup=true&rubricCount=1&prefix=_20953609_1&course_id=_26… 3/4

The rubric total value of 166.32 has been overridden with a value of 166.00 out of 180.

time.

No references provided

Does not meet the required number of references; some or all references poor quality
choices.

Meets number of required references; all references high quality choices.

Exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices.

6. Provide the agency’s Website name, URL, and at least three other sources used to
support the assignment’s criteria.

Unacceptable 0 – 69% F 0 (0.00%) – 6.21 (3.45%)
Fair 70 – 79% C 6.3 (3.50%) – 7.11 (3.95%)
Proficient 80 – 89% B 7.2 (4.00%) – 8.01 (4.45%)
Exemplary 90 – 100% A 8.1 (4.50%) – 9 (5.00%)

More than six errors present

Five to six errors present

Three to four errors present

Zero to two errors present

7. Clarity, writing mechanics, and formatting requirements
Unacceptable 0 – 69% F 0 (0.00%) – 12.42 (6.90%)

Fair 70 – 79% C 12.6 (7.00%) – 14.22 (7.90%)

Proficient 80 – 89% B 14.4 (8.00%) – 16.02 (8.90%)

Exemplary 90 – 100% A 16.2 (9.00%) – 18 (10.00%)

Feedback to Learner
Darrin: You provided background information about the agency, mission, goals, objectives,
departments, and strategic plan. You also described the budget of the agency by addressing
the following items: 1. Financial Summary, including Revenue and Expenditures 2.
Department Budgets 3. Funding 4. Capital Projects 5. Debt Administration You performed a
Cost Analysis, which included the, Fixed Costs, Step-fixed Costs & Variable Costs, which
identify the challenges you will have in managing the budget. Your paper provided two to
three (2-3) strategies the agency should review regarding new initiatives and budget cuts
over the next five (5) years.(Title this section Budget Recommendations.) You also provided
the agency’s Website name, URL, and any other sources used to support the assignment’s
criteria. Please view the grading rubric for additional comments.

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1/20/2020 Rubric Detail – PAD505006VA016-1202-001

https://blackboard.strayer.edu/webapps/rubric/do/course/gradeRubric?mode=grid&isPopup=true&rubricCount=1&prefix=_20953609_1&course_id=_26… 4/4

Name:PAD505 Week 2 Assignment 1: Policy Brief

Description:PAD505 Week 2 Assignment 1: Policy Brief
ExitExit

1/20/2020 Untitled Document

https://blackboard.strayer.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/PAD/505/1176/Week 5/Week 5 Assignment 2 Assignment Rubric.html 1/3

Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic/organization of the
paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.

Points: 200 Assignment 2: The Operating Budget

Criteria Unacceptable
Below 70% F

Fair
70-79% C

Proficient
80-89% B

Exemplary
90-100% A

1. Provide
background
information about
the agency,
mission, goals,
objectives,
departments, and
strategic plan. (Title
this section
Introduction.)
Weight: 15%

Did not submit
or incompletely
provided
background
information
about the
agency,
mission, goals,
objectives,
departments,
and strategic
plan.

Partially
provided
background
information
about the
agency,
mission, goals,
objectives,
departments,
and strategic
plan.

Satisfactorily
provided
background
information
about the
agency,
mission, goals,
objectives,
departments,
and strategic
plan.

Thoroughly
provided
background
information
about the
agency,
mission, goals,
objectives,
departments,
and strategic
plan.

2. Describe the
budget of the
agency by
addressing the
following items: (a)
Financial Summary,
including Revenue
and Expenditures,
(b) Department
Budgets, (c)
Funding, (d)
Capital Projects,
and

(e) Debt
Administration.

(Title this section
Budget Overview.)
Weight: 15%

Did not submit
or incompletely
described the
budget of the
agency by
addressing the
following
items: (a)
Financial
Summary,
including
Revenue and
Expenditures,
(b) Department
Budgets, (c)
Funding, (d)
Capital

Partially
described the
budget of the
agency by
addressing the
following
items: (a)
Financial
Summary,
including
Revenue and
Expenditures,
(b) Department
Budgets, (c)
Funding, (d)
Capital
Projects, and

Satisfactorily
described the
budget of the
agency by
addressing the
following items:
(a) Financial
Summary,
including
Revenue and
Expenditures,
(b) Department
Budgets, (c)
Funding, (d)
Capital
Projects, and (e)

Thoroughly
described the
budget of the
agency by
addressing the
following
items: (a)
Financial
Summary,
including
Revenue and
Expenditures,
(b) Department
Budgets, (c)
Funding, (d)
Capital
Projects, and

1/20/2020 Untitled Document

https://blackboard.strayer.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/PAD/505/1176/Week 5/Week 5 Assignment 2 Assignment Rubric.html 2/3

Projects, and
(e) Debt
Administration.

(e) Debt
Administration.

Debt
Administration.

(e) Debt
Administration.

3. Perform a Cost
Analysis. The costs
should include the
following: (a)
Fixed Costs, (b)
Step-fixed Costs,
and (c) Variable
Costs. (Title this
section Cost
Analysis.)
Weight: 15%

Did not submit
or incompletely
performed a
Cost Analysis.
The costs
should include
the following:
(a) Fixed
Costs, (b) Step-
fixed Costs,
and (c)
Variable Costs.

Partially
performed a
Cost Analysis.
The costs
should include
the following:
(a) Fixed
Costs, (b) Step-
fixed Costs,
and (c)
Variable Costs.

Satisfactorily
performed a
Cost Analysis.
The costs
should include
the following:
(a) Fixed Costs,
(b) Step-fixed
Costs, and (c)
Variable Costs.

Thoroughly
performed a
Cost Analysis.
The costs
should include
the following:
(a) Fixed
Costs, (b) Step-
fixed Costs,
and (c)
Variable Costs.

4. Identify and
explain one to two
challenges you will
have in managing
the budget. (Title
this section Budget
Challenges).
Weight: 15%

Did not submit
or incompletely
identified and
explained one
to two
challenges you
will have in
managing the
budget.

Partially
identified and
explained one
to two
challenges you
will have in
managing the
budget.

Satisfactorily
identified and
explained one
to two
challenges you
will have in
managing the
budget.

Thoroughly
identified and
explained one
to two
challenges you
will have in
managing the
budget.

5. Recommend two
to three strategies
the agency should
review regarding
new initiatives and
budget cuts over
the next five years.
(Title this section
Budget
Recommendations.)
Weight: 15%

Did not submit
or incompletely
recommended
two to three
strategies the
agency should
review
regarding new
initiatives and
budget cuts
over the next
five years.

Partially
recommended
two to three
strategies the
agency should
review
regarding new
initiatives and
budget cuts
over the next
five years.

Satisfactorily
recommended
two to three
strategies the
agency should
review
regarding new
initiatives and
budget cuts
over the next
five years.

Thoroughly
recommended
two to three
strategies the
agency should
review
regarding new
initiatives and
budget cuts
over the next
five years.

1/20/2020 Untitled Document

https://blackboard.strayer.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/PAD/505/1176/Week 5/Week 5 Assignment 2 Assignment Rubric.html 3/3

6. Include the
agency’s most
recent budget or
financial plan.
Weight: 10%

Did not submit
or incompletely
included the
agency’s most
recent budget
or financial
plan.

Partially
included the
agency’s most
recent budget
or financial
plan.

Satisfactorily
included the
agency’s most
recent budget or
financial plan.

Thoroughly
included the
agency’s most
recent budget
or financial
plan.

7. Provide the
agency’s Website
name, URL, and
any other sources
used to support the
assignment’s
criteria.
Weight: 5%

No references
provided

Does not meet
the required
number of
references;
some or all
references poor
quality choices.

Meets number
of required
references; all
references high
quality choices.

Exceeds
number of
required
references; all
references high
quality choices.

8. Clarity, writing
mechanics, and
formatting
requirements
Weight: 10%

More than six
errors present

Five to six
errors present

Three to four
errors present

Zero to two
errors present