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Commission resumes charter review, examines auditor qualifications and department structure
Summary
The commission resumed a section-by-section review of the Home Rule Charter, covering Article V (City Auditor) and Article VI (Administration), including auditor qualifications, subpoena authority and department requirements.
The Charter Review Commission resumed its section-by-section review Thursday and examined provisions governing the city auditor and department structure under Articles V and VI of the Home Rule Charter.
Staff member Ed led the review of Section 5.0 (City Auditor), noting the charter sets specific eligibility requirements for the auditor, including residence, registered voter status and a bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, municipal government, management or a related field. The auditor's duties include independent financial oversight, reviewing city expenditures, assisting independent audits, and reporting on implementation of audit recommendations. The charter also grants the auditor subpoena power to carry out duties.
Article VI (Administration) was discussed next. The charter requires the mayor to appoint and the city council to confirm department heads, establishes a Department of Public Works (including a city engineer and an environmentalist position), and requires a Department of Finance with specified qualifications for the director. Sections address prohibitions on department heads holding political party office or certain financial interests and require disclosure of potential conflicts.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about removal processes and forfeiture for office if qualifications are lost or criminal convictions occur; Ed explained removal processes involve city council action and adherence to due process notice requirements.
Why it matters: the review identifies specific charter language that could be reconsidered for clarity, qualifications, or organizational changes. Commissioners noted they could recommend additions or eliminations of departments as part of their charter-amendment work.
Next steps: the commission paused at Article VII and scheduled continued review in future meetings; commissioners flagged Section 12 and ballot timing questions for later discussion about how charter changes might proceed to primary or general elections.
