The paper was known as The Weekly Budget up to the time the Royal Printing Company began publishing it in 1920.

The most unique thing about the Budget is that it consists mainly of columns written and sent in by Scribes in various plain Anabaptist communities all around the world.

The Budget Scribes document community events such as baptisms, weddings, births and funerals, as well as information on church attendance, visitors, weather, accidents or illnesses, agricultural happenings, special church and school events.

It is similar to a collection of circle letters, allowing folks to keep up with friends and relatives who live in far-flung plain communities.

Keith Rathbun, formerly of the Cleveland Scene alternative weekly, served as publisher from 2000 - 2016.