Committee recommends adding finance/accounting position to 2026 budget

The Pacific Administrative Committee voted on March 24, 2025, to recommend that the Board of Aldermen consider creating a dedicated finance/accounting position in the fiscal 2026 budget, citing audit workload, staff capacity and potential long‑term savings.

Alderman Calabrio introduced the recommendation after the city’s outside audit reviewer, Clifton Larson Allen, identified higher audit costs tied in part to the absence of an on‑site financial staff member. Committee members said a dedicated position could reduce contractor audit hours and improve monthly reporting. "If Clifton Larson Allen were correct in what they were saying, our audit costs were almost double because we didn't have a financial person," one committee member said.

Members discussed options including hiring a part‑time or full‑time employee, or engaging a contractor (1099) for fewer hours. The committee noted the city could convert a contracted role into a staff position or continue with an outside contract; any decision would be weighed against fiscal constraints.

A motion recommending the Board consider adding a finance/accounting position to the FY2026 budget passed on a 2‑1 vote. Committee members asked staff to explore whether hiring a part‑time employee or engaging a contract specialist would provide the greatest cost‑benefit, and to include estimated impacts on audit fees in the packet for the full Board.