City moves to amend charter for election integrity

In a recent city council meeting, officials addressed key issues including a proposed amendment to the city charter and the results of the annual financial audit.

City Attorney Hartley presented an ordinance aimed at resolving discrepancies between the city charter and current practices regarding the canvassing of elections. The proposed amendment would delegate the authority for canvassing to the county, which has been managing this process since 2006. The council voted unanimously to advance the ordinance for a first reading, with plans to place the amendment on the ballot for a referendum during the upcoming election on August 20, 2024.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Tammy Campbell from the auditing firm McDermott Davis, who reported that the city received an unmodified audit opinion for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. This is the highest rating possible, indicating sound financial practices. The city’s net position increased by $5.2 million, largely due to grant revenues, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The general fund balance rose to $14 million, with $8.2 million unassigned, providing flexibility for future expenditures.

Campbell highlighted that the city’s water and sewer utility fund also saw a significant increase, attributed to grant revenues and user charges covering operating costs. The city’s total debt decreased by $660,000, and it remains compliant with pension plan contributions and federal regulations.

The council expressed appreciation for the financial management team’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate financial records for the city’s operations. The financial statements and audit report were unanimously accepted, with plans to submit the documents to the state auditor general.