Charter review proposes a charter-level city auditor and stronger audit committee authority; ballot timing likely 2028

Staff presented a Charter Review Committee update recommending two core changes to strengthen oversight: create a charter-level executive city auditor position (appointed by the city manager and confirmed by council) and elevate the audit committee to a charter-embedded body that would have primary authority over the city's audit plan.

Natalie Valdivia summarized the model's checks and balances: civil-service protections for the auditor, direct appeal rights to the Civil Service Commission, and public hearings for removal attempts to limit political influence. The proposed change would flip the approval process so the audit committee directs audit priorities and the council receives the plan as an informational item.

Committee members asked how the amended charter would be placed on the ballot and who would appoint committee members under the new model. Staff said it is too late to place the change on the November 2026 ballot; estimated costs to add items to a ballot are approximately $70,000 and calendar timing means the earliest realistic placement could be 2028. Selection and appointment mechanisms would be defined as staff drafts the specific charter amendment language and returns to the charter committee and then council.

Public commenter Herbert Milano urged more independence than council appointment, suggested an independent selection board, and called for a special meeting to discuss robust charter language. Commissioners and staff clarified that the charter-review discussions included benchmarking other cities but that the proposed language is intended to suit Glendale's circumstances.