Charter reviewers back independent internal audit office, oversight committee

The Charter Review Committee recommended establishing an independent internal audit function and a five-member audit oversight committee to strengthen transparency and detect waste or misuse of public funds.

"An independent internal audit department can provide objective information on the operations of government programs," Clarence Lee Powell, chairman of the committee’s finance subcommittee, said. Powell told the meeting the auditor would be able to conduct financial and performance audits of all departments and that audit reports would include findings, recommendations and follow-up reviews.

Powell said the audit oversight committee would review the internal auditor’s plan and submit a proposed internal auditor budget to the commission. He described the oversight panel as including the mayor, the mayor pro tem, the chair of the commission’s finance committee and two at‑large residents with auditing experience.

Powell also outlined auditor qualifications: certifications such as certified internal auditor or certified public accountant, or an advanced degree with at least five years’ government auditing, evaluation or analysis experience. He said audits would follow government auditing standards and that the auditor would report suspected illegal activity to appropriate authorities, including law enforcement, when necessary.

Some public commenters worried the oversight committee’s makeup (including the mayor) could limit the auditor’s independence. "I cannot support seeing a subcommittee to somewhat dictate back to the committee its work," Reverend James Williams said, arguing that the oversight body should not be able to hinder an auditor who finds problems. Committee members responded that the oversight committee is meant to advise and help develop a plan in coordination with the auditor and that the auditor would have professional obligations and an oath.

The committee said it adopted the internal audit recommendations and will post draft language on the city website; the plan includes guaranteed annual funding for the internal auditor and an annual audit plan presented to the commission.