"Blast from the Past" or "That's what I'm Talkin' Bout!"

At tonight's Commission meeting the City's Auditor pointed out a few problems he found in reviewing of the city finances. Among the 6 statute violations and recommendations he pointed out to correct them, were two items of particular interest to me...

One was the city's failure to publish quarterly financial reports in the newspaper as required by law, and the other was not having a proper balanced account of funds and financial standing reported at the Commission meetings by the finance director. Such reports are essential for the Commission to responsibly operate the city and vote on expenditures and future obligations.

These items were two of the "positive changes" platform called for by myself, Kathy Dancer and Jim Adams at the Forums last Spring. We called for the publicaton and disclosure of financial statements in the paper and called for a full and comprehensive audit of policy and procedure within the finances as well as timely reporting to the commission by all department heads, especially the finance director. In this manner the city would get down to the business of operating as a business and "knowing where we are at" as a city.

Another interesting thing that happened tonight is that the Mayor asked the City Manager if he was aware that in many instances the books weren't balanced by the former finance director.

His response, "He told me he did."

So that brings up another campaign topic from the past. ACCOUNTABILITY. Just where does the BUCK STOP? Or just how does the BUCK it make it's way around the City Manager's desk? Isn't he ultimately responsible for the hiring and management of his employees and staff? It was less than 2 months ago that when the finance director left he did so with accolades from the City Manager as well as the Commission.

Perhaps with the implementation of new finance procedures will come forth more accountability, I for one sure hope so.