Finance staff flags timing shortfalls, encumbrances and rental‑registration proposal

Finance staff presented the committee with a July financial package showing bank balances, reconciliations and year‑to‑date fund reports and highlighted several timing and audit issues that created apparent negative balances in some funds.

She explained that timing differences — for example, county payments that arrive in September — and misposted expenses left some accounts appearing overdrawn. The staff estimated nearly $1,000,000 in apparent overexpenditure, of which about $800,000 is attributable to timing or posting differences; she said she will seek guidance from the Ohio auditor on making entries to correct prior‑year records.

Council asked for transparency and auditor sign‑off before any correcting entries are posted. Staff also said they will review long‑standing encumbrances and unused purchase orders and release amounts where appropriate.

On revenue collection, staff described reinstating software and issuing administrative subpoenas to collect back taxes and reported a plan to offer payment plans (18 months as a target and down‑payment options) to help residents bring taxes current without resorting to criminal enforcement. Staff said rental‑registration changes are proposed so landlords must report tenant moves (no extra fee) to improve tax compliance; the registration revenue would be recorded to Fund 101 (the general fund).

Council asked follow‑up questions on specifics including where revenues would land and whether rental registration would include business registration linked to permits; staff said those details will be worked into the draft legislation and circulated for review.