Committee forwards charter amendment to place county auditor authority question on 2026 ballot

The committee voted July 22 to forward Resolution 605‑26 to the full council with a favorable recommendation. The resolution directs the county clerk to take necessary action to place Ordinance 26‑47 — a charter amendment clarifying that the county auditor has similar supervisory authority over auditor office employees as department heads have in the executive branch and that the county auditor may appoint a deputy — on the 2026 general election ballot.

Councilmember Renata Inaba said the resolution is a follow‑up housekeeping measure required by the county charter to place the ordinance on the ballot and does not alter the ordinance’s substance. “This is introduced by my office… but was supposed to be introduced by both my office and Councilmember Kirkowitz,” she said, asking for support to meet charter timelines.

The committee recorded the motion, a second, and a voice vote; the clerk recorded nine ayes and the measure will proceed to full council for final action and, if approved, to the Office of Elections for inclusion on the November 2026 ballot.