Glendale committee weighs enshrining independent audit function in charter; staff to return with options

Committee member Carl Povitis tabled a discussion draft on June 4 proposing the charter require an independent audit committee with authority to review city financial information, approve an annual audit work plan and present findings to Council.

Povitis said the draft was intentionally a starting point: "I landed on the number seven," he said, explaining a proposal that would include appointed members, potentially two members named by the elected treasurer and an ex‑officio role for the treasurer. The draft would require the committee to meet at least quarterly, approve an annual audit work plan, and recommend audit firms as needed. Povitis also proposed requiring Council to certify that adequate staffing and funding were provided to carry out the work plan.

Staff and several members stressed that the internal audit office is presently understaffed and that the committee’s independence will only matter if auditing capacity exists. Jack Leon, the city’s finance director, confirmed that the internal-audit function had recently operated with one auditor and said the proposed changes aim to increase transparency and ensure capital set-asides are visible. He described the proposal as a way to "add a layer of independence" without rewriting the entire ordinance.

Public commenter Herbert Milano urged the committee to go farther: "If there is one institution that needs to be strong, this is the institution that we must put in place," he said, arguing that transparent, charter-based audit protections would prevent misuse of public funds.

Committee members discussed alternatives including an appointed city auditor with a dual reporting line to both the city manager and an independent commission, or an elected controller/auditor. Members asked staff to return with refined charter language that preserves independence while accommodating legal and practical constraints, and to analyze staffing and funding mechanisms so the audit function can be carried out effectively.

The committee did not take a final vote. Staff will draft and return with options at the committee’s next meeting.