Finance changes possible

City committee OKs department's staff reorganization, sends issue to full commission for final approval

Web posted Thursday, December 28, 2000

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By Justin Martin
Staff Writer

The Augusta Commission's finance committee voted 3-1 Wednesday to reorganize the city's maligned finance department.

The changes, as recommended by the consulting firm Cherry Bakaert & Holland, are intended to improve accountability, enhance customer service and strengthen internal controls. The staff size of the department will not change.

The finance committee's decision must go before the entire Augusta Commission for final approval. The meeting is set for Jan. 8.

``It is similar to how it was done probably three or four years ago,'' said Kip Plowman of Cherry Bekaert & Holland. ``They did all the budgeting and all that in the finance department, got all the stuff and reported everything to the city administrator, who is ultimately over all that and makes all the changes.

``... I mean the prime example is what you're going through right now: You're having to talk about a budget now and figure out the details later,'' Mr. Plowman said. ``All of this would have been handled in the finance department beforehand, gone to the administrator and worked out and then come to you. It's the perfect example of why it should be done this way.''

The changes would eliminate the position of comptroller, now held by Lon Morrey, and create the position of city finance director. The finance director would serve as the chief financial officer for the city, with complete budgeting and investment responsibility and financial communications with the city departments and the Augusta Commission.

Commission member Henry Brigham voted against the changes because, he said, a new city administrator should be hired before the government structure is changed.

Fellow commission member Ulmer Bridges asked if the finance director would have authority over the final budgets; such power would violate a city ordinance that allows the commission to set the budget. Mr. Plowman told him that would not be the case.

Mr. Plowman said the finance director would have mechanical control of the budget, not policy control.

Commission member Jerry Brigham is already on record as saying he will oppose the changes.

``I have some serious problems, in light of the budget, of adopting any changes, and I don't plan on voting for it,'' Mr. Brigham said.

Reach Justin Martin at (706) 823-3552.

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