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Commission’s ad hoc audit committee recommends exploring FPPC services; commissioners ask FPPC to present
Summary
An ad hoc committee reviewed options for audit and campaign oversight services and commissioners asked staff to invite the state Fair Political Practices Commission to a future meeting to explain its services and past contract experience.
The Ethics Commission’s ad hoc committee on auditing reported to commissioners on June 22 that it had examined options for providing audit and campaign compliance services, including contracting with the state Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), outsourcing to private firms, or building internal capacity.
Commissioner Kelly summarized the FPPC option as a packaged set of services for small jurisdictions — audits in off-election years and advisory services during election cycles — and said it could be more economical than hiring permanent staff. Commissioners discussed past FPPC contracting figures and asked for clarity around prior billing and unbilled time. Vice Chair Velasquez asked that the FPPC explain any past discrepancies between contracted amounts and billed services.
City Clerk Mindy Cuppy confirmed that the City Council adopted budget reductions that will reduce commission meeting frequency in fiscal year 2026–27 (meetings will be cut by roughly half unless complaints require more frequent meetings). Commissioners signaled interest in hearing the FPPC’s current program and in comparing that option to private contractors.
Commissioner Kelly moved to invite FPPC staff to present at a future meeting; commissioners expressed support and staff said the request could be scheduled for follow-up. The item was agendized as a receive-and-file report, and staff clarified that formal action to contract or to request a specific procurement would require separate agendizing and council approval.
