Operating Budget Process within theBudget Enterprise Application |
Revised: 07/19/2024 |
The Budget Enterprise Application is used by agencies to develop the biennial agency budget request based on the guidance document published by the Office of Budget and Management (OBM). OBM then uses the Budget Enterprise Application to develop budget recommendations and create the Governor's Executive Budget Recommendation known as the "Blue Book."
The Operating Budget process includes the following phases:
Ohio's operating budget spans a period of two years—a biennium—which begins on July 1 of odd-numbered years and ends 24 months later on June 30. Within a biennium are two separate fiscal years, each beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30.
The following table is an example of a biennium time frame and the expected stages during the fiscal years.
| July 15, 2024 | Operating Budget Guidance released |
| July-August 2024 | Agency training available (Budget Enterprise Application) and OBM Language Portal |
| September 13, 2024 | Group 1 requests due - Licensing boards and commissions |
| September 27, 2024 | Group 2 requests due - Small to mid-size agencies |
| October 11, 2024 | Group 3 requests due - Cabinet agencies and all other executive agencies |
| November 1, 2024 | Group 4 requests due - Legislative, judicial, and statewide elected agencies |
| November 2024 - January 2025 | OBM reviews agency requests and works with the Governor's Office to develop budget recommendations |
| January 31, 2025 | Executive Budget (Blue Book) published |
| February 14, 2025* | Main Operating Budget Bill introduced |
| February 2025 - June 2025* | Main Operating Budget Bill moves through legislative process |
| July 1, 2025* | New main operating budget appropriations become effective |
| * Dates are subject to change |