Financial Practices

The Department carries out its fiduciary responsibilities to the taxpayers by:

1. demonstrating dollar accountability, and
2. maximizing the return on investment of taxpayers' money.

The first objective is to ensure that a reliable system of internal controls (checks and balances) is in place to measure and report the collection and disbursement of funds. This objective is accomplished by using generally accepted accounting principles and subjecting the Department to an annual audit by an outside Certified Public Accountant.

The second objective is to maintain a financial strategy that optimizes the use of taxpayers' funds over the long term. The Department endeavors to create a financial platform that assures a legacy of solvency for future administrations.

Duties

• Processes payroll for 283 employees
• Administers health and welfare plans for employees and 162 retirees
• Audits and processes over 3,000 invoices per year
• Prepares annual financial statements for all funds and account groups
• Prepares annual revenue and expenditure plans
• Administers risk management program, including liability insurance for over 20 locations and over 100 vehicles
• Administers fire service contracts with 10 other governmental agencies including the California Public Employees' Retirement System
• Administers Department's telephone system and wide area network including over 60 computers, five file servers and two E-mail systems
• Drafts, monitors and testifies for legislative changes
• Prepares short term and long term business strategy
• Negotiates contracts including the agreement with Local 1165
• Negotiates purchase, sale and lease of Department property
• Administers jurisdictional changes
• Reviews environmental impact reports
• Prepares monthly and annual statistical reports

Staff

The Business Services section of Administration is staffed with a Director, an Information Systems Manager, a Business Services Associate, an Office Assistant and outside contractors as needed.