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Council debates returning bank reconciliation to treasurer, flags charter and audit concerns
Summary
Councilors discussed whether the treasurer should resume bank reconciliation, a change that would require an FTE and compensation; members asked for legal review of the city charter and completion of the outstanding audit before reassigning responsibilities.
A discussion about the city's internal financial controls and the treasurer's role drew extended debate at the Aug. 25 Franklin City Council meeting.
Staff reminded council that a prior recommendation included having the treasurer take over bank reconciliation; the treasurer — present at the meeting and speaking from the dais — said the work would require an additional full-time employee and that rolling the duty back would be time-consuming because reconciliations have not been balanced for a full 12 months.
Councilors raised legal and charter concerns. One member said removing duties from the treasurer requires action by the General Assembly and that the charter describes clear responsibilities; others noted the city had operated without an approved finance director for about a year and that interim staff had performed well but left. Several members said they wanted the forthcoming audit completed and a legal opinion on charter authority before changing functions.
The council reached consensus to table a formal decision, asking staff to pursue legal and audit information and to return with a plan that includes compensation and support if the treasurer will take on reconciliations.
What happens next: staff will continue audit work; council expects a legal opinion on charter duties and a proposal for any additional FTE and compensation before making a final decision.
