City Auditor Alex Marin Seeks Two Hires, Cites Audit Standards in Police‑Overtime Request

City Auditor Alex Marin opened the Syracuse Common Council's hearing with the Department of Audit's annual report and a budget packet that includes a request for two additional audit positions, saying the extra staff would allow simultaneous audits and follow-up work on prior recommendations.

Marin stressed the office's recent work — including audits that prompted changes to vehicle and traffic laws, licensing updates and higher fireworks permit fees — and told the council he had submitted a memo showing the administration's proposed budget alongside the auditor's own requests. "We are going to do things slowly, methodically, by the literal book to make sure when we produce findings and recommendations, they stand the test of time," Marin said.

Why it matters: The staffing and budget decisions the council makes this cycle will determine whether the audit office can broaden performance audits, pursue larger multi‑year reviews and follow up on prior recommendations such as the 2024 police staffing study. Council members said they need that information to make informed budget choices for police and fire, where overtime is a major…