Officials weigh budget software, recommend prioritizing accounting system modernization
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Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed the city’s budget and accounting software. Staff said the budget module purchased earlier has integration problems with accounting software and recommended focusing on upgrading the core accounting system and budget module in the cloud before replacing procurement of nonintegrated budget products.
Commissioners pressed staff about the city’s budget software and broader financial systems. Staff said the budget software purchased in recent years does not integrate well with the city’s accounting system and that the city will evaluate whether to abandon that product and instead modernize the accounting system and budget module in the cloud.
“I'd rather see you use a sharp stick and soft clay, really, than try to force it into this software,” a commissioner said, summing concerns that mismatched technology had created confusing projections in prior cycles. Staff agreed, saying the immediate priority is improving the accounting system, payroll interfaces and financial reporting so monthly closes and budget projections are reliable.
Staff told the commission they will evaluate available options over the fall once the FY23–24 audit and FY24–25 month‑end closes are complete, and that any decision about replacing or discarding existing budget software will be presented to council. The finance team asked the commission to be prepared for questions from council on the topic, and the city manager said he expects the new controller and finance leadership to recommend a path forward.
No formal action was taken; the discussion was informational and the commission advised staff to be prepared to answer software‑related questions for the council study session.