The state's General Fund is actually just one of 1,461 state active funds (those without a zero balance) as of June 30, 2012.  State agencies and other state entities, including universities, routinely set money aside for certain projects or obligations but they also build up cash balances in operating accounts.  Government funds operate on a cash basis, very much like your personal checking account; balances only increase when more money is deposited (revenue) than is spent. 

According to the Kansas Department of Administration, it’s not uncommon for an agency program to obligate itself for goods or services rendered or to be rendered before actually receiving the appropriation to make the payment. This is effected in the accounting system through an encumbrance that represents the legal obligation. The fund’s budget may be based on funding such obligations through its future monthly revenue streams. Thus if the cumulative obligations exceed the snapshot of actual cash on hand, a negative unencumbered balance will occur.

Reports:

Total Balance by Agency:  Total of each agencies fund balances as of June 30th, for fiscal years 2007 through 2012.

Individual Fund Listing: All active fund balances as of June 30th, for fiscal years 2007 through 2012.