Last week, we reported that the Budget and Finance Commission did not participate in the 2025 budget process. This is concerning given their stated mission, which is clearly outlined on the Oro Valley government website:
“The Budget and Finance Commission is responsible for providing assessment and recommendations regarding the town manager’s recommended budget and 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan, the annual Five-Year Financial Forecast, the annual financial audit, and assisting in the selection of the Town’s independent audit firm.”Met for nine hours...
The commission spent approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes on these key items, out of roughly 9 hours of total meeting time across ten separate meetings in fiscal 2024. Let's examine their activities in fiscal 2024 against their mission:
- In late June, they received a 30-minute update on the budget from David Gephart, but this was after the budget was completed and awaiting council approval.
- In April, they received a 30-minute update on the Town's five-year financial forecast, during which they asked only five questions and offered minimal input.
- In January, they spent 15 minutes discussing the Town’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which is a public statement rather than the auditor’s certified report.
- They spent about 20 minutes discussing the result of the “special procedures audit” of golf operations without being involved in scoping the work.
. .. and didn't accomplish much
So, what were the primary activities overseen by Gephart, with Mayor Winfield’s oversight, during the year? The commission:
- Reviewed budget policy changes.
- Listened to seven updates on the town's financial results.
- Took three meetings to elect a chair of the commission.
- Devoted time to:
- A 15-minute review of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
- A 20-minute discussion of the special procedures golf audit.
- A "Path Forward" update.
Winfield thinks that's OK
One would think that the lack of substantial engagement in the budget process together with a whopping total of nine meeting hours for a year would raise some concern about whether the town should even have this commission.
Mayor Winfield has no such concern.
Sets a low bar for performance
In fact, he has set the bar for performance of this commission so low that just showing up is good enough. “The Town’s Boards and Commissions serve in an independent advisory capacity to the Town Council free of political interference. Each councilmember is assigned to serve as a liaison to one or more board or commission. The primary responsibility of councilmember liaisons is to attend board and commission meetings and recommend to Council new board or commission appointments as vacancies arise. I value the input our boards and commissions provide to Council.”
- - -
