Charter review flags gaps in finance director rules; commission asks staff to draft incapacity language

The Charter Review Commission reviewed the Stow City Charter provisions that govern the director of finance and identified drafting gaps the commission said should be fixed before recommendations go to city council.

Commission members focused on three practical issues: the director's formal qualifications; the certificate-of-available-funds role in contract approvals; and an absence of clear rules for an acting finance director during temporary incapacity.

Commission discussion and staff explanation

Staff reviewed Section 6.01 through 6.08, noting that the charter currently requires the finance director to be a qualified elector who holds a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics or public administration and at least five years' management experience in accounting or finance. The director must devote full time to the office, though "full time" is not defined in the charter. The director examines municipal accounts, prepares the annual budget and signs the certificate of available funds that…