Commission backs stronger audit language and a possible termination clause for finance director

A motion to require an independent annual audit and add a provision that the finance director — or the city manager if no finance director is appointed — may be terminated for dereliction of duty if the audit is not provided passed after debate about contractual and personnel constraints.

Commissioner Swanton (motion sponsor) said the change was prompted by repeated bookkeeping delays and a desire to ensure timely audits and accountability: "I think the people don't ever want the books to be 3 years behind ever again." Commissioners discussed whether termination language should be mandatory or discretionary; several favored keeping subjunctive wording ("may be terminated") rather than an absolute requirement to avoid unanticipated legal conflicts with personnel rules or contracts. The interim city clerk and other commissioners noted the charter already contains overlapping audit authorities for council and some ambiguity about which officers have which responsibilities.

The commission voted by voice and the chair reported the motion passed with five in favor, one opposed and one recorded abstention (reported as Steve abstaining). Commissioners asked staff to review potential conflicts with state law and existing employment contracts and to circulate a cleaned-up draft for next meeting packet review.