(a) Prior to September 15, 1991, and August 15 each year thereafter, counties shall submit to the department a needs-based budget in a form prescribed by the department containing their annual client and budget estimates and a description of proposed changes in their annual plan for the fiscal year beginning the following July 1.

(b) Representatives of the department shall meet with representatives of each of the counties to discuss the needs-based budgets and proposed changes in annual plans and shall make a thorough review of county submissions. County submissions shall clearly distinguish funding supported by section 704.1(a)¹ from grants authorized by section 704.1(b). On the basis of the discussions and review, the department shall make its determination of each of the counties total costs and reimbursable costs and the amount allowed each of the counties in accordance with section 704.1(a).

(c) The total of the amounts allowed for each county pursuant to section 704.1(a) as determined by the department shall be the aggregate child welfare needs-based budget. The determination of the aggregate child welfare needs-based budget and the child welfare needs of each county along with supporting documentation shall be submitted to the Governor by November 15, 1991, and November 1 each year thereafter.

(d) Contemporaneously with the submission of the General Fund budget, the Governor shall submit the aggregate child welfare needs-based budget and the child welfare needs of each county along with supporting documentation to the Majority Chairman and the Minority Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the Senate and the Majority Chairman and the Minority Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives. The department may modify the calculation of the aggregate child welfare needs-based budget any time prior to May 1 of each year, provided that such revision is based on receipt of actual data or adopted regulatory changes which, when compared to previously calculated projected data or regulation, requires the revision.