During a recent government meeting, officials outlined the budget preparation process for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that programs are adequately funded to serve the community effectively. The budget group will review requests for budget increases, particularly for new programs and initiatives, before finalizing the budget for submission to the tribal council.

Departments have been instructed to prepare a flat budget consistent with fiscal year 2024, although some budgets will see slight increases due to a comprehensive wage analysis conducted previously. This analysis revealed that certain positions were not competitively funded, necessitating adjustments to ensure fair compensation for the workforce. Additionally, the indirect cost rate has increased from 11.7% to 14.7%, and the fringe rate has risen to 29.66%.

Significant legislative acts are influencing the budget, including a cash reserve of $41.3 million and an emergency reserve fund budgeted at $4.7 million, reflecting a $450,000 increase from the previous year. The budget also allocates $22 million for motor fuels tax scholarships, marking a $3 million increase, and $2 million for the Mount Killer Soap Water Act.

The comprehensive budget for fiscal year 2025 totals nearly $3.6 billion, comprising an operating budget of approximately $2.97 billion and a capital budget of $622 million. Federal funding continues to be the largest source of revenue, accounting for 68.5% of the budget, with the Indian Health Service (IHS) being the primary contributor.

The meeting highlighted a decrease in grants and compact revenues, largely attributed to the spending down of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. However, tribal funding has increased by $29.6 million, driven by new public health initiatives and adjustments in indirect costs.

A significant portion of the capital budget is earmarked for various projects, including $443 million for health and behavioral health centers, $108 million for road improvements, and $53 million for child development centers. These investments reflect a commitment to enhancing services and infrastructure within the Cherokee Nation, aligning with the meeting's theme of \"Weaving Our Future.\"