Brockton mayor addresses school financial accountability amid $4.7M invoice concerns

The Brockton Finance Committee meeting held on February 3, 2025, focused on critical financial accountability issues within the city and school departments. Mayor Robert Sullivan emphasized the distinct reporting structures between city and school officials, clarifying that while he oversees city departments, he has no authority over school department personnel decisions.

A significant point of discussion arose regarding the management of outstanding invoices. Councilor Claire Zach expressed concern over the lack of clarity on the number of unpaid invoices, urging for better accountability and efficiency in financial processes. She specifically called for insights from Mr. Plant, a financial consultant, to ensure that the city does not repeat past mistakes related to financial oversight.

Mr. Plant confirmed his presence and highlighted the need for improved utilization of the Munis accounting system, which is essential for tracking financial data accurately. He noted that a Munis expert has been identified to assist in enhancing the system's effectiveness, particularly in the school department, where financial processes need to be streamlined.

The meeting also addressed the current financial status of the school department, with Mr. Plant indicating that the department is in good shape overall. However, he raised concerns about the potential for undisclosed invoices, referencing a previous situation where $7 million in spending was delayed due to invoices sitting unprocessed.

The committee's discussions underscored the importance of transparency and efficiency in managing the city's finances, particularly as they navigate the complexities of funding and expenditures in both city and school departments. The next steps involve further clarifying the financial data and ensuring that all outstanding invoices are addressed promptly to maintain fiscal health.