Finance Committee recommends Juan Pablo Gonzalez for city auditor after members praise his collaboration

The Brockton Finance Committee voted to recommend favorably the appointment of Juan Pablo Gonzalez to the position of city auditor for a three‑year term. Gonzalez, who is serving as acting/interim auditor, told the committee he has a three‑year plan that prioritizes fixing internal policies and procedures in year one, modernizing systems in year two and stabilizing long‑term finances in year three.

Why it matters: The city auditor has statutory reporting duties to the city council and plays a central role in financial oversight, audits and coordination with the Department of Revenue.

Supporters on the committee emphasized Gonzalez’s local ties and collaborative work. Councilor Farwell said he was “especially pleased that he has built a relationship with the school department and the people who handle finances on the school department.” Councilor Griffin and others praised Gonzalez for working to break down silos between the school department and city finance staff. Gonzalez told the committee he intends to report to the accounts committee and the full council as appropriate: "I would always be reporting to city council," he said.

Committee members asked about posting the position; staff explained that Gonzalez previously served as interim assistant auditor and that the recent fill followed past practice. The motion to recommend the appointment favorably was made, seconded and passed; the transcript records the committee’s favorable recommendation but does not list individual vote tallies.

The committee’s recommendation will go to the full City Council for confirmation.