What generally stipulates a date by which the city or county manager must submit a proposed budget?

The home rule charter serves as a fundamental document outlining the structure and authority of local government, including the procedures for financial management such as budget proposals. It typically includes specific deadlines and other procedural requirements for the budget process, including the date by which the city or county manager must submit a proposed budget. This foundational governance document provides the local government with the autonomy to establish its own rules and regulations within the framework of state law, making it a critical reference point for budgetary procedures.

In contrast, while the state constitution may provide overarching guidelines for government operations, it does not usually stipulate specific dates for local budget submissions. A budget policy manual is more about internal procedures and may not have the force of law to dictate submission dates. The public governance act, though it can support various governance issues, typically addresses broader issues of transparency and citizen involvement rather than specifying budget deadlines. Thus, the home rule charter is the correct answer as it directly outlines the requirements for the local budgeting process.