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Cleveland Heights finance committee introduces new assistant finance director, seeks clearer monthly reports and faster audits
Summary
At its April 28 finance committee meeting, Cleveland Heights introduced Rishon Caldwell as assistant director of finance, reviewed unaudited January–February statements and cross‑fund cash reports, and discussed delayed bank reconciliations, a planned move to automated reporting and an accelerated audit timeline.
Cleveland Heights finance committee members on April 28 introduced a new assistant director of finance and asked staff for clearer, automated monthly and quarterly financial reports while seeking to accelerate overdue audits.
Councilor Bosch, chair of the finance committee, opened the meeting by hearing Director Hairston present Rishon Caldwell as the city’s new assistant director of finance. Director Hairston said Caldwell worked at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and that “she is a tried and true accountant,” adding, “I think she is an a definite asset to the city of Cleveland Heights.”
The committee then reviewed unaudited January–February financial statements. Director Hairston summarized the income statement, saying the year‑to‑date revenue total was “10,100,000.0” with expenses of “9,500,000.0,” producing “a total net gain of about $564,000.” Hairston also noted the city’s revenue was budgeted at about “8,300,000.0 per month,” which, if averaged, would produce about $16 million for two months.
Hairston told the committee the cross‑fund report showed a beginning cash balance of about $111,000,000 and an ending balance near $108,000,000, and that January, February and March bank reconciliations were not complete because a staff member responsible for those entries had taken leave. Hairston said Caldwell would help the department “get this caught up.”
Council members pressed for a reporting format the committee could get without manual spreadsheet work. Councilor Posch asked for a consistent, push‑button report; Hairston said Cleveland Hopkins used the Advantage system and that automated monthly budget reports to department managers were routine there. The committee asked staff to meet with leadership and return with a consistent format for monthly or quarterly budget‑versus‑actual reporting.
On the audit status, Hairston told the committee the department had supplied requested materials to its auditor and expected the unaudited statements and posted fourth‑quarter 2024 financials “very soon.” She described a production timeline she used previously — roughly 120 days for production and about 60 days for external review — and said she was recruiting additional staff and considering an interim consultant to catch up on 2023 and move into 2024 work.
No formal motions or votes were taken on the finance items. The committee scheduled its next meeting for June 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Why it matters: Faster, consistent reports and up‑to‑date audited financial statements improve transparency for council and the public, affect budget decisions and influence the city’s ability to plan spending and capital projects.
