Local Government Budgeting Workshop | Asheville

Location:  
Land of Sky Regional Council

339 New Leicester Hwy., Suite 140

Asheville, NC 28806
 

Course Description: 
Effective budgeting is at the core of sound municipal management. More than just numbers on a spreadsheet, a well-crafted budget reflects your community’s values, priorities, and long-term vision. To help local governments prepare for a successful budget cycle, the Local Government Budgeting Workshop provides practical, hands-on training that walks participants through the entire budgeting process—from planning and development to adoption and financial oversight.

What to Expect:
Participants will receive guidance and real-world examples on how to:
• Understand legal requirements and timelines associated with North Carolina municipal budgeting.
• Develop a structurally balanced budget aligned with strategic priorities.
• Apply fund balance and reserve policies effectively.
• Build revenue and expenditure projections based on realistic assumptions.
• Incorporate public input and council guidance in a transparent process.
• Understand pre-audit responsibilities and procurement compliance.
• Monitor and adjust the budget through sound financial management practices.
• Avoid common pitfalls and ensure audit-readiness throughout the fiscal year.
 

Pricing: $80 per person
Number of AML credits: 6 AML Credits
Number of NASBA credits: 360 Minutes
NASBA Fields of Study: 
Accounting (governmental) – 120 minutes
Business law   - 90 minutes
Management services – 120 minutes
Auditing – 30 minutes

Agenda:
9:30 am  – Check-in/AM Refreshments
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm - Lunch
10:00 am – 4:00 pm Course Content

4:00 pm – Wrap-up

Subject Matter Expert(s)/Instructor(s): 
Sharon Edmundson is the Director of Municipal Finance Programs with the North Carolina League of Municipalities. Sharon is the former secretary of the Local Government Commission and deputy treasurer for the State and Local Government Finance division of the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer. She has over 30 years of experience in governmental and public accounting. Sharon received her B.S. in business administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina State University. She is a member of the GFOA, a lifetime member of the NCGFOA, and a member of the North Carolina Association of CPAs ,serving as  a long-time member of its Governmental Resource Group. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the UNC School of Government in the online MPA program.

Perry James is a Senior Consultant for the North Carolina League of Municipalities, responsible for initial development and assistance on the League’s new Municipal Accounting Services (MAS) Program. He developed major parts of the MAS program designed to provide new government specific software and accounting assistance to many small governments in North Carolina. Previously, he was a Municipal Operations Consultant with the League, serving primarily the mid to northeast territory of the state. Perry joined the League after retiring in 2017 from the City of Raleigh where he was the Chief Financial Officer, also serving for a period as the Interim City Manager. Perry is a CPA, a member of GFOA, is a lifetime member of NCGFOA,  and belongs to the N.C. Association of CPA’s and the American Institute of CPA’s. Perry graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has served on the Board of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and was President of the North Carolina GFOA. He is the author of the booklets Ten Keys to Effective Governing Board Oversight and Building on the Ten Keys that are the basis for the training.

Susan McCullen is a Consultant with the North Carolina League of Municipalities’ Municipal Accounting Services (MAS) Program. Prior to joining the NCLM in 2023, Susan served as the Fiscal Management Section Director for the NC Local Government Commission. Susan also served as the Finance Director for Wake County, NC, retiring from that role in 2018 after twenty-two years with the County. Susan received her BBA with a concentration in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University. She has served on the National GFOA Subcommittee for Cash Management and Treasury Matters and is a member of the NCGFOA.

For information about our administrative policies, such as those regarding complaints or refunds of registration fees, please contact us at (919) 715-8835.
NCLM is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website:  www.NASBARegistgry.org. 

The NC League of Municipalities is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org}