Councilor seeks review of Chapter 324 controls after school finance issues; committee postpones petition discussion

The Finance Committee on Aug. 18, 2025, took up an order asking the City Council to petition the General Court concerning special legislation related to Brockton’s financial controls. Councilors used the item to call for a review of Chapter 324 of the Acts of 1990, which created the city’s chief financial officer position and outlines review and certification responsibilities.

Councilor who sponsored the item recounted past practice under a long‑serving CFO who had certified financial orders exceeding one year and said the city’s recent financial problems and a documented deficit justify re‑examination of the statute and of current practice. The Nystrom Beckman review was cited during the discussion as identifying gaps in financial controls.

The sponsor proposed inviting former CFO John Condon, Mayor Sullivan, CFO Dr. Troy Clarkson and Superintendent Priya Tehiliani to explain how Chapter 324’s certification requirements align with present practice and to discuss steps the city and the schools will take to comply. Committee members agreed and moved the item to a later meeting so those officials could appear.

Action: The committee voted to postpone the petition and scheduled a discussion at a future Finance Committee meeting (motion carried). The sponsor asked staff to invite the named officials to discuss Chapter 324’s requirements and to assess whether additional council action is needed.

Ending: The committee deferred further action and will review the statute and administrative practice with the invited officials before proceeding.