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Council reviews finance agenda and disputed invoices; Schreiber law-firm bills flagged for authorization
Summary
Finance staff listed multiple items for authorization — from Mimecast security services to insurance reserve transfers — and highlighted two Schreiber law-firm invoices totaling $2,340 for Commissioner Golub that prompted questions about approval protocol and accounts-payable staffing.
The finance department presented a tax update, participatory-budgeting status and a slate of items slated for vote or discussion at the next council meeting, and councilors spent time on a contested accounts-payable item.
Staff reported mortgage-tax revenue is down and that participatory budgeting has more than 20 project proposals with an extended submission deadline of July 31. The agenda includes an addendum with SHI for Mimecast security services, multiple invoice-approval requests, and proposed uses of the insurance-reserve fund.
A notable item involves two invoices for the Schreiber law firm submitted on behalf of Commissioner Golub totaling $2,340. Staff said the invoices were submitted and resubmitted and need payment; a commissioner pressed staff about inconsistent enforcement of documented policy on invoice approvals. A public-safety representative said the department handles more than 10,000 invoices annually, acknowledged staffing shortages in accounts payable and said a new hire started that day to help address the backlog.
Other vendor invoices listed for approval included a past-due $315 invoice to Velocity Print and items for Adirondack Cabling Inc., BPI Mechanical Services and Saratoga Auto Supply. Councilors said they will vote on the listed finance items at the next meeting.
Why it matters: The discussion signaled both routine fiscal housekeeping and governance questions about invoice approval processes and internal controls for payments that involve council members’ legal bills.
What’s next: The listed items will appear on the upcoming meeting agenda for formal vote; staff will provide clarifications where requested.
