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Kyle council narrowly directs staff to draft policy posting city procurement-card transactions online
Summary
After a long debate about privacy, cost and operational workload, the council voted 4–3 to direct staff to bring back a resolution creating a policy to post city procurement/credit-card expenses and receipts on the city website, with required redaction and cost analysis.
The City of Kyle on Dec. 6 directed the city manager to draft a policy requiring posting of procurement-credit-card statements, associated receipts and supporting information to the city website, after a contentious debate about transparency, security and staff workload.
Council Member Courtney Goza presented the item, citing recent high-profile municipal cases elsewhere and arguing more public eyes on transactions would deter misuse. Finance staff said the city already has procurement-card controls, monthly supervisor review, and an external annual audit that samples transactions; staff noted posting would require redaction of sensitive information and could create additional workload and costs.
Pervez Mohi, director of finance, said the city has about 93 active procurement cards and that total monthly procurement-card spending ranged from roughly $250,000 to $285,000, estimating approximately $3.3 million annually. He said supervisory review, purchasing and accounts-payable workflows are in place and procurement cards are included in the annual external audit. Staff offered to post records if directed, but cautioned redaction and privacy protections would add administrative expense.
Council members split on the proposal’s cost and whether posting is the best remedy. Supporters said publication would enhance public trust and make it easier for residents to spot questionable spending. Opponents worried about staff burden, employee privacy and potential misinterpretation of routine operational charges. By roll call, the motion directing the city manager to bring back a posting policy (including redaction rules and estimated costs) passed by a narrow majority. Staff will return a draft policy and fiscal-impact memo for council consideration.
