Providing a Basic Framework
Financial management policies assist in providing a basic framework for the overall fiscal management of the county government. These policies allow changing circumstances and conditions to be addressed and act as an aid in the decision-making process. Financial policies represent guidelines for evaluating current activities, establishing priorities, setting direction, and managing growth.

Debt Policy
The Debt Policy establishes guidelines and limitation for the issuance of debt. The policy addresses the level of indebtedness the county can reasonably expect to incur without jeopardizing its financial position and to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the county. This policy is to be used in conjunction with the Operating and Capital improvements budget and other financial policies.

The county will measure its level of debt through three ratios:

• Net Debt Per Capita should not exceed $2,500
• Net Debt to Assessments should not exceed 3%
• Debt Service to General Fund Expenditures should not exceed 10%

Investment Policy
The Investment Policy establishes guidelines for the efficient management of county funds and shall apply to activities with regard to the investment of the financial assets of the county. The goal of the policy is to allow the county to obtain the highest possible yield on available county financial assets, consistent with constraints imposed by its safety objectives, cash flow considerations, and Virginia state laws that restrict the placement of public funds.

Capital Reserves Policy
The County of Roanoke recognizes one of the keys to sound financial management is the development of a systematic way to fund capital projects. The Capital Reserves Policy establishes guidelines to set aside reserves to fund county capital projects.

Use of General Fund Revenue in Excess of Budget Policy
At the end of each fiscal year, general fund revenues in excess of budget revert to the General Fund Unappropriated Balance. The Use of General Fund Revenue in Excess of Budget Policy establishes guidelines to allow funds to build and replenish the General Fund Unappropriated Balance, and to fund the Major County Capital Fund.

General Fund Unappropriated Balance Policy
The County of Roanoke recognizes one of the keys to sound financial management is the development of financial polices. The Board of Supervisors is ensuring the long-term economic stability of the County of Roanoke, by establishing the General Fund Unappropriated Balance Policy that maintains a prudent level of financial resources to protect against reducing services levels or raising taxes and fees because of temporary shortfalls or unpredicted one-time expenditures.

Use of Unspent Expenditure Appropriations Policy
At the end of a fiscal year, unspent expenditure appropriations generally lapse and revert to a reserve or fund balance within the fund in which the appropriations originated. The Use of Unspent Expenditure Appropriations Policy establishes guidelines to fund the Minor County Capital Reserve and to distribute unspent funds at year end to departments for needed expenditures. 

Capital Asset Policy
The Capital Asset Policy defines what constitutes a capital asset for the County of Roanoke and establishes guidelines for recording and maintaining capital assets in accordance with GASB accounting standards.

Grant Policy
The Grant Policy establishes guidelines for the proper oversight, administration, and accounting of all grants received by the County of Roanoke.