Lawrence stormwater board presses city for clearer financial reports as controller departs

The City of Lawrence Stormwater Advisory Board said it lacks clear records showing stormwater revenues and spending and asked staff to seek a resolution to allow the board to view detailed financial reports. The board discussed a July email noting that stormwater revenues arrive in the city’s bank account as a lump sum and “the storm water portion should be put in the storm water account,” but board members said they have not received confirmation that city staff moved the funds as intended. Board members cited an $899,000 discrepancy at the end of last year as a reason they need regular, simple reporting. Board President Brad Klopfenstein and member Ron (Rob) Schleifer said the board needs periodic visibility — essentially a one‑page report showing revenues versus budget and spending trends — so it can make informed decisions on projects and budgeting. Renee Rafla, the city’s director of public works, told the board that the city’s controller, Humphrey, is leaving and said, “Humphrey, our current controller's last day is the 30 first of this month, which is Thursday.” Rafla said staff will give the incoming controller time to settle in but will raise the board’s request for financial reports at the new controller’s first meeting. Board members asked staff to consult legal about preparing a formal resolution that would authorize the controller to share stormwater financial statements with the board. No formal motion or vote on a resolution occurred; the discussion produced direction to follow up with legal and the incoming controller and to report back to the board. Board members emphasized they want standard, routine reports, not additional one‑off work, and requested that staff indicate whether the reports could be posted online. Staff said they would discuss whether a one‑page summary or more detailed reports are feasible and would communicate a schedule after the new controller begins. Next steps: staff will ask legal how to draft a resolution to permit sharing of stormwater account financials, meet with the incoming controller about reporting expectations, and provide the board with an estimated schedule and sample reporting format before the board’s next substantive deadline.