[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,85,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6256165,"mediaKeyId","3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b","parentId",3158540,"title","City audit finds Oracle timekeeping reduces some payroll risks but exceptions limit effectiveness","audioSeconds",691,"startMs",678000,"endMs",1369000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b&start=678&end=1369","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b/thumbnail_678000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6256165/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/City-audit-finds-Oracle-timekeeping-reduces-some-payroll-risks-but-exceptions-limit-effectiveness","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256165-735c0c176dde0195455ed213696aa1e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147118&Signature=UXgSuwE13Ys8ip2enoSOFZ9VUyGOsiFRPzZV6vShnx8Ed967jSio9irEuS64Yw4wftVUQTWPoP~mipj0y8vyroecQwvRXYjhowFSdjax6ZUrqiSZAx3BYutrVV10LzLdE75rX7NY699qdIKyNnCzgwEA7dqhRweV4HIdt29N~aPY8ghoxuIocm-Lf9BYtYgGoWFvFbeS7r3ySXVI4ECLaX-VZFX5ds~ikArhc16s2mOJrayghu~CDkWyIy8jbvkOThwNshudvevNQWD1eGABkuVDit4GfPWghOkDHiEE-jUMqoFh7zIBVSYI8j06bPzmpDC0SmYKXW-ZwzpU8xfNhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-30T18:51:47Z","article","The city\u0018s internal audit team presented findings on the Oracle Time and Labor (OTL) module, saying the new system automates several payroll controls but that exceptions built into the implementation blunt its effectiveness.

The audit, presented by Dwayne Braithwaite of the audit team, reviewed the OTL deployment and whether it addressed previously identified risks such as misapplied work rules, unapproved extra time, incorrect compensatory-time handling and miscalculated overtime. \"The OTL module's automated rules should mitigate several risks we identified in previous audits,\" Braithwaite said during the Finance Executive Committee meeting.

The audit found the city combined timekeeping and payroll into a single system, reducing data discrepancy risk, but it also identified numerous exceptions to the clock-in requirement that create inconsistent treatment across departments. Audit staff said the Atlanta Fire Department was largely excluded from clock-in requirements because of command-structure and operational constraints, leaving many fire personnel paid by schedule rather than captured hours. The auditors cautioned this raises compliance risks under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires employers to maintain accurate records of hours worked for nonexempt employees.

The audit recommended that the chief operating officer require all nonexempt employees to clock in and out, either with time clocks or city laptops, or direct Human Resources and the law office to advise departments on what time records must be kept to satisfy FLSA and city code requirements. The report also recommended discontinuing compensatory time for exempt employees and improving classification controls after the city's recent compensation and classification study.

Kimberly Finley, interim deputy commissioner for the Department of Human Resources, responded to the report at the meeting: \"The Department of Human Resources agrees with the recommendations from the audit department.\" Braithwaite told commissioners that the audit team had directed two recommendations to the chief operating officer and one recommendation to the human resources commissioner; the COO agreed with the first recommendation and partially with the second.

Committee members thanked the audit team for the review and voted to accept the audit file. The committee did not adopt immediate new policies on the floor; it accepted the report and asked executive staff for follow-up implementation and guidance consistent with audit recommendations.

The audit presentation and the department response set out the next steps: HR and the COO are to provide guidance to departments on time records and to implement quality-control measures to ensure employee classifications reflect the updated compensation tables. The audit team also recommended monitoring changes to ensure classifications remain accurate.

The committee recorded the audit as accepted; the report will inform follow-up directives and potential ordinance or administrative changes pending further work by HR and the COO.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","#Atlanta City Council Finance Executive Committee Meeting April 30, 2025 #atlpol","oneSentenceSummary","The city\u0018s internal audit team presented findings on the Oracle Time and Labor (OTL) module, saying the new system automates several payroll controls but that exceptions built into the implementation blunt its effectiveness.","taxTitle","Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",2959,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":78,"_47":79,"_49":80,"_51":81,"_53":82,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":83,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":84,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6256145,"Council approves vendor outreach to identify unlicensed businesses; vendor will not issue citations or collect",0,4066000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b&start=4066&end=4066","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b/thumbnail_4066000.jpg","/articles/6256145/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-approves-vendor-outreach-to-identify-unlicensed-businesses-vendor-will-not-issue-citations-or-collect","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256145-fbbd9c072cc2b919cec72b97f54b9ed8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147118&Signature=ceBRg6JwaKgexej9BwQ2M7zjpb~kvf0MShhS1xeQB0tGFHowBotF-yREg~lHjmaaJna6No9yqmWbQfKS5VCRBTbN31m8ZhgF4mSGOqd1RKinQNly5GVRHs5I9HrB1VzUvjMB28ysUePRNC52bXR58OKDbjJCkDvMncC4gBTPdbq5MmErH1xdRhMyeEEvxUlC4Rtq9li1O082Hy~exDDDHEodEOu-iOplIFOM8H2rLHVEKLlNKNGhHJjBGdBF2OzYsxdwF-hg0rBOqjF3hEpZTHkZOEIB0fIrzMeB933botERhuFO7JH93dZ3wBy7zhM8rqfUbFzg4jyF0Tbad3Tt6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Executive Committee approved a one-year special procurement agreement (with renewal options) to contract with Lisonbee Corporation to support occupation tax recovery and business-license outreach.

Councilmember Juan and other members pressed staff to clarify the vendor\u0018s role. Finance staff and presenters said the vendor's work will focus on identifying businesses that may need occupational business licenses, scrubbing records and contacting potentially noncompliant entities to encourage registration and payment. Finance staff explained that the city currently has roughly 20,000 active occupational business licenses on its records while state filings suggest up to about 90,000 business entities registered with the Georgia Secretary of State; staff said the vendor will help identify gaps but will not issue citations or perform collections.

\"They're not doing citations or collections. They'll do the initial onboarding, kind of finding that that individual, telling that individual, hey, you need to apply for business license, collect their information, and then hand it off to us,\" a finance presenter said. The committee discussed the need to scrub internal records carefully before vendor outreach; council members requested that city staff ensure internal validation and review processes remain in place before external outreach begins.

The committee voted to approve the agreement. Finance staff said the vendor will leverage modern technology to cross-reference public registries, perform outreach and improve voluntary compliance; the administration emphasized the goal of broadening the licensed taxpayer base while preserving due process and city control over assessments.","The Finance Executive Committee approved a special procurement agreement to hire Lisonbee Corporation to identify businesses that may owe occupational business tax and assist with outreach. City staff said the vendor will assist in discovery and onboarding, but the city retains assessment, citation and collection responsibilities.",{"_33":86,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":87,"_41":88,"_43":89,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6256150,"Committee approves $7.3M lease schedule for DPW equipment; members request equipment inventory",507,2270000,2777000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b&start=2270&end=2777","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b/thumbnail_2270000.jpg","/articles/6256150/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Committee-approves-73M-lease-schedule-for-DPW-equipment-members-request-equipment-inventory","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256150-076f5f6b73df26dc92f763cdcaff365e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147118&Signature=HqD7z-8gZlshVr1hJwLtJwDyRdqHhawWaY2DpHYdfoUWAegR3A-q~rIbCBX-70ZHfVQlrkPpejCRVLaI-fa7oZpUV85bHoYLCPmUgJ19VXHTm9~SF7bhsLQUP7ZXkyjI-FM4Vhw24NW92d4CDT~YSYJ7SNSaVRNwTC41lDUG9FTlOH0lSr1sClTdJHAAsH8rHH1g6Er16Ade8kd~mfVTP4NTLbpJx472s~gtkQbXTrJlGCWpICDo1SBY48D7Ztj0RG9EZKuR3i3N9aCuIb1aO1vzKBqPc5ZrEqaRow-9ynHAPW4KP~iLPYv3~FJFpD1NX-PFm86AV8FZ832fLWvlRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Executive Committee approved a substitute to add a lease schedule to the city's master lease with JPMorgan Chase Bank to acquire replacement equipment and vehicles for the Department of Public Works.

Courtney Knight, chief of treasury, said the master lease, originally executed in February 2022, allows the city to finance vehicles and equipment cost-effectively by adding schedules for specific acquisitions. The substitute authorizes the acquisition at an amount not to exceed $7,300,000 and authorizes the CFO to amend the FY25 solid waste R&E fund budget to add anticipations and appropriations in amounts described in the substitute.

Councilmember Hillis asked DPW for an itemized list of equipment, condition metrics, replacement plans and whether items would be surplus; Keith Robinson, deputy commissioner for DPW, said the department could provide the requested inventory and noted a vehicle replacement plan that schedules replacements over the next four to five years. \"We can definitely provide you that document, and council as well too. We do have a vehicle replacement plan where we have what should be replaced each year over the next 4 or 5 years,\" Robinson told the committee.

Councilmember Specter (asked as \"Miss Spectrier\" in the transcript) asked whether the package would tap special-operations funds used for smaller equipment and beautification. Robinson and finance staff said the equipment financing in the lease schedule is for vehicles and equipment and would not consume beautification allocations; special-operations funding for smaller equipment remains separate.

A councilmember asked about recent federal discussions to end tax-exempt status for municipal bonds. Knight said that if tax-exempt status were removed, financing costs for such leases would rise substantially (he estimated roughly a 35% increase in cost in that hypothetical scenario) and that larger borrowers such as Atlanta would be better positioned than smaller municipalities. The city did not change policy at the meeting based on that federal discussion; the lease schedule was approved and DPW agreed to provide the requested equipment inventory.

The substitute was approved by committee and will proceed to the next steps for execution under the master lease.","The Finance Executive Committee approved an amendment to the city\u0018s JPMorgan Chase master lease to acquire replacement Public Works equipment and vehicles, authorizing up to $7.3 million in new lease schedules and related FY25 budget adjustments. Council members requested an itemized equipment and replacement plan from Public Works.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6256155,"Council authorizes defeasance of selected bonds using invested sinking fund to reduce outstanding debt",862,1949000,2811000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b&start=1949&end=2811","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b/thumbnail_1949000.jpg","/articles/6256155/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-authorizes-defeasance-of-selected-bonds-using-invested-sinking-fund-to-reduce-outstanding-debt","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256155-2d9eabc1068ad292d3bb5a26f1d0104e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147118&Signature=mnWLRv6N3Ls37~pfyxLi-nHK7jF1z5f1wy9qrVGX-euAqlC1pOT2O2yYz2Gp0fdgFdfRC0I3ZWkbPK9DmfAPlV6KAe3q3FE9SNeVdXOeAc90Yl~8O~Ke3djFp8KSE~WaBhflRnCt9~V7a5tc6g9WlPPyx-MQ~mrksAcnoX-O7WzAd1ZeOseTuB32j9XgK0T3zIzzR0dxYLLaFosrzhoGolOZK-LmS87xIqIVA-CobDtjdRH~IG1O8Gy~4~587LUKjN2wnPTKeigu08Fqvq~LlffuyFT8xH4puMsJsORK5JCbm3Dxf5LbLTyRWn~-qG92a20iZVOCvBg9lb-rnAi0Vw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Executive Committee approved a substitute ordinance authorizing the chief financial officer to establish an escrow deposit agreement and defease selected outstanding general obligation bonds using funds from the city's invested sinking fund.

Courtney Knight, chief of treasury, debt and investments, told the committee that the property tax levy is deposited into an invested sinking fund held by a paying agent, and that the fund currently contains roughly $250 million. \"When we receive our property tax levy, that money goes into what's called an invested sinking fund that's held by a paying agent. That account has approximately $250,000,000 in it,\" Knight said. The ordinance authorizes the CFO and financial advisers to determine which outstanding bonds are most cost-efficient to defease.

Councilmembers asked whether defeasance changes the bonds' stated maturity dates; Knight said the city will be paying selected bonds off before their stated maturity and will evaluate optional redemption dates and coupon rates to identify the most efficient candidates for defeasance. Councilmembers also discussed the effect on the bond mill rate and how reducing outstanding debt could allow refinements to future levies.

The committee approved the substitute ordinance and noted the action will feed into the FY26 budget process. Committee members praised the Treasury team's analysis and asked that the mechanics and expected outcomes be coordinated with upcoming budget deliberations.

No specific list of bonds to be defeased was provided during the meeting; the CFO will work with advisers to select bonds and will complete the accounting and escrow steps authorized by the ordinance.","The Finance Executive Committee approved an ordinance allowing the CFO to establish an escrow and defease selected outstanding general obligation bonds using funds in the city's invested sinking fund, which holds roughly $250 million. The move is intended to lower the city's outstanding debt burden and inform FY26 budget planning.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6256160,"Council approves transfer of 72 Marietta Street from DEAM to Watershed, moves $16.75 million",455,2705000,3160000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b&start=2705&end=3160","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3158540-06eb621c6b3dba432738d312685cb55b/thumbnail_2705000.jpg","/articles/6256160/Atlanta/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-approves-transfer-of-72-Marietta-Street-from-DEAM-to-Watershed-moves-1675-million","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6256160-d321b55844a8b780ca1260c6fbe3ed1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147118&Signature=TuEfT-u2fw~gL3pehcWh4Mr~2ymIOguqDWJ0UlMOIiz48PXhTe63LSSKFCrtNGAxTAonea86zfBuUfh69N-NcMPey~CGq5eC8JVpLsgseSJRLMngveUbNjc0lQCTIqfSA-iyD-D59UOP7ccrXQ3M4YFzs7FTm9XBBhXknHg9FCnbYCAN~xwcppQ1wpFRGsfPcCRpfnNoMrr4~7PsO~bbHUK8mbRz9NcQKueHrLPiEcsz5MNCLGOABAHVBDZmXA1lMbtzsuRJCk2sP6E5Skt0hZ~NJs5p2ofxyUqaWrLt~ho9SIF0ZRiUOx~hAOT12~x3zFii4HT7dJ31xmQ2Z429tQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Finance Executive Committee approved an ordinance transferring 72 Marietta Street from the Department of Enterprise Asset Management (DEAM) to the Department of Watershed Management, and authorized a $16,750,000 payment from the Watershed renewal and extension (R&E) fund to the general fund.

CFO (name provided in the meeting) explained the move as an administrative realignment: Watershed has been leasing 72 Marietta from DEAM at about $2 million per year and the administration proposes transferring the asset so Watershed can control the facility. \"We think that it's in the best interest of both the department of the general fund and the Department of Watershed Management for that asset to be transferred completely over to DWM so that DWM could make its own decisions about that facility and its future needs,\" the CFO said at the meeting.

Councilmembers asked about the valuation and planned use of the funds. A councilmember noted the payment would be a one-time injection into the general fund and asked whether the administration planned additional asset sales. The CFO said the administration is reviewing its asset portfolio and may consider other parcels to better align city-owned property with policy goals, including affordable housing and revenue optimization.

Councilmember Juan asked whether Watershed was the only tenant; the CFO replied Watershed was the only current tenant. Juan also asked if the funds were intended to address the projected budget deficit; the CFO said the transfer was part of the plan to support the budget.

The committee approved the substitute ordinance and the budget amendments on a recorded vote.

The legislation includes attachment of the appraisal that informed the valuation and requires the CFO to amend the FY2025 general fund and FY2025 water and wastewater R&E fund budgets to reflect the transfer. The ordinance also authorizes termination of the existing memorandum of understanding between DEAM and Watershed for the lease of the property.

Councilmembers requested details on other contemplated asset sales and the administration said it would continue to review the city portfolio; no further asset-sale authorizations were made at the meeting.","The Finance Executive Committee voted to transfer ownership of 72 Marietta Street from the Department of Enterprise Asset Management to the Department of Watershed Management and authorized a $16.75 million transfer from the Watershed R&E fund to the general fund, citing an appraisal and administrative realignment.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City audit finds Oracle timekeeping reduces some payroll risks but exceptions limit effectiveness

Council approves vendor outreach to identify unlicensed businesses; vendor will not issue citations or collect

Committee approves $7.3M lease schedule for DPW equipment; members request equipment inventory

Council authorizes defeasance of selected bonds using invested sinking fund to reduce outstanding debt

Council approves transfer of 72 Marietta Street from DEAM to Watershed, moves $16.75 million