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Communication from Mayor re: Payments to City Hall departments
Dear Members of the City Council:
I write to let you know that I have signed the Order passed on February 24, 2015, which reads “that payments to the city of any kind to departments in city hall be processed through the Treasurer’s office as soon as practical.”
After speaking to the departments that currently handle funds on behalf of the city, it is clear that implementing the Order will require a well thought out process and procedures that recognize the different aspects of payments regularly made to City Hall. We are already working with the impacted departments to address the details involved in the implementation which will include considering the distinction between payments received in person and via mail and an analysis of the timing of various payments received and how to best reach our objectives while continuing to service our taxpayers in a responsible manner.
I am attaching a matrix that outlines the departments that are currently receiving payments for services whether in person at City Hall or through the mail. As a start to the process, each of these components will be addressed and possible procedural changes considered. I believe the Finance Committee should play a role in the discussion and I ask that you schedule time at a future meeting for some dialogue and feedback. Either way, I will provide the Council with the specifics of the implementation once we worked through them with the various departments.
In closing, we share your goal of taking the steps necessary to ensure the protection of our city assets and look forward to working with you to reach that goal. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
GARY CHRISTENSON, Mayor