In order to comply with the reporting requirements under Section 21 (1) of the German Municipal Budget Regulation (GemHVO), a procedure was presented to the Finance and Investment Committee in December 2011 whereby, starting in the 2012 fiscal year, reports on the development of the operating budget, combined with an annual forecast, are to be provided during the year using a traffic light-based financial reporting system with commentary. The annual reporting dates were set for April 30 and September 30.

The primary objective is to forecast the expected result for the current fiscal year. Furthermore, the report should explain any significant deviations from the plan and, if necessary, indicate any necessary countermeasures. The reports are based on all information, facts, and expectations that are known and available to the authorities at the time of reporting.