City Council Approves Home Rule Petition to Modernize Finance Commission, Create Inspector General Office

The Boston City Council voted Wednesday to pass a Home Rule petition that restructures the Boston Finance Commission and establishes an inspector general appointed by the commission.

The measure, approved in a roll‑call vote after an extended committee process, renames the body the Boston Finance and Oversight Commission and authorizes it to appoint a certified municipal inspector general with investigatory, subpoena and whistleblower‑protection authorities. Councilors voted 10‑2 in favor of the new draft.

Supporters said the changes will strengthen independent oversight of city operations. "It provides subpoena power, which is huge," said Councilor Colette Zapata, chair of the committee on government operations, describing an element added during committee work. Zapata and lead sponsor…