New city auditor outlines office setup, hotline and hiring plan in entry presentation

Tammy Gantzler, the City of Newport News’ newly appointed city auditor, presented her office’s entry plan to the City Council during the Jan. 28 work session, describing steps to establish the office, relaunch a fraud, waste and abuse hotline and staff the audit function.

"The most important part of the work we've done is the office of the city auditor work charter ordinance," Gantzler said. She told council staff had consulted the city manager and city attorney, and that the ordinance language had been submitted to those offices ahead of council consideration.

Why it matters: The auditor’s office will be responsible for independent audits, investigations and follow-up on recommendations; an operational office and a functioning hotline are central to the city’s oversight and accountability framework.

Key elements of the entry plan Gantzler described a multi-part plan that she said is already underway. Actions discussed include creating a shared workspace to accommodate an audit team she hopes to grow from the current four staff to a target of eight, completing renovations in roughly 90 days, and posting job openings for audit staff by the end of the week.

She emphasized institutionalizing a fraud, waste and…