(A) After receipt of the Mayor's estimate, and before the annual appropriation ordinance has been passed, the Council may make preliminary appropriations for the expenses of the City to an amount sufficient to cover the necessary expense of the various departments, divisions and offices until the annual appropriation ordinance is in effect. No other liabilities shall be incurred by any officer or employee of the City, until the annual appropriation ordinance is in effect.
(B) After receipt of the Mayor’s estimate, Council shall prepare an annual appropriation ordinance, using the Mayor's estimate as a basis. Provision shall be made for at least two public hearings upon the annual appropriation ordinance before a committee of the Council or before the entire Council sitting as a committee of the whole. The Council shall not pass the annual appropriation ordinance until at least fourteen (14) days after its final hearing, nor before the first Monday in January. (Amended 5-4-10)