2009-08-21 - Laserfiche WebLink

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To: Honorable Mayor Adams and Council From: Julie Feier, City Manager Date: August 21, 2009 Subject: Weekly Update The following is a list of responses to questions posed as justifications to proceed with a potentially $80,000 state audit.A State Auditor would address few if any of the issues that are raised within the document, I have however, provided answers to each of the accusations/questions raised in the document which is attached here for your convenience. If there are more questions, staff will certainly prepare a response. This is the only document that has made available to us at this point. Responses to the Audit Petitioner information, provided as Attachment A: A. The Staff has followed all of the requirements set out by State Law and the City Charter with the exception of submittal of the annual financial report within 60 days of the end of the fiscal year. This is impossible due to the delay in receiving year- end financial information and the complexity of government funds, and this issue has been openly discussed in public meetings. No large municipalities in the area have their accounting records closed and audited in 60 days. The City annually compiles an audited Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. For the second year in a row, the City was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, as well as the Distinguished Budget Award. B. The additional public session held on the budget in April of 2009 was very positive and had excellent resident turn out. The City of University City is proud to hold more community meetings than any other in the region. A tradition we intend to continue. C. The drafts of the University City budget were available throughout the budget process at the library, City Hall and accessible on the City website. D. Council asked that staff assess the City’s benefit package. The assessment provided a number of recommendations to both enhance and reduce benefits. If we do not remain competitive, all services will begin to deteriorate. We are already having difficulty recruiting police officers.