At an April City Council meeting an order was taken up and forwarded to appropriate committees (Charter and Rules Committee and Ordinance Committee) along with a 20 page document introducing a suite of changes to the city ordinances and city charter. These changes specifically aim to modernize and achieve efficiencies in how financial resources are managed. The changes are systematic and align with our vision to strengthen internal controls, reduce liability, and maximize on our resources to better support services for constituents and reduce harm. The two committees plan to meet on April 7.
If passed by the full City Council, the changes will result in the following:
Modernized Functions
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Departments realigned to meet 21st century needs
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Key positions renamed and duties reassigned
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Address concerns raised in decades of independent audits
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Employ technology that will improve workflow
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Provide better service to constituents
Increased Efficiencies and Cost Savings
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Net loss of two unfilled positions
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Budget neutral in FY26
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Over $100,000 of cost savings in FY27
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Reduces reliance on contractors to perform basic functions
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Ensures timely year-end closing and filing of all state and federal documents
Improved Accountability
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Provide additional oversight of the Mayor and financial departments
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Additional auditing of all City departments and functions
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Strengthen penalties for not following policies and procedures
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Build in more fraud protections
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Enhanced reporting to the Mayor, City Council, and general public
To review the suite of proposed changes in detail, click here.
These changes complement recent initiatives implemented focused on strengthening controls including the adopted Financial Management Policies Manual and the recent change from the Special Election that resulted in voters choosing to change the position of City Treasurer from elected to appointed. With this change, we are looking forward to establish a consolidated Financial Department as outlined in the proposed Municipal Finance Modernization Act, and finally soon bring on board a qualified and experienced Chief Administrative and Financial Officer to properly oversee the financial functions of our government, do proper financial forecasting, maintain a capital improvement program, and make proper recommendations to leadership so that we are making informed decisions.