City Manager Nagy brought to the meeting his recommendation to begin the recruitment of a Deputy Clerk/Accountant. He stated, “this position is clearly needed to bolster the financial department and help other departments”.
Who would have thought this could cause such a misunderstanding or mis-interpretation with our city officials. What I am talking about is what the auditors from Ray, Foley, and Hensley told city officials when they presented the Financial statements to the City of Paris about a month back.The auditors discussed items of concern to them. The auditor told city officials, “The City lacks experience in applying generally accepted accounting principles to transactions recorded throughout the year and determining appropriate financial statement disclosures” They said appropriate experience should be sought and recommended the City consider the feasibility of the addition of a Financial Officer.
Here is the interpretations of “Financial Officer” of City Officials.
Now back to City Manager Nagy interpretation it must be this Deputy Clerk/Accountant?
Commissioner Galbraith thought this person should have at least a Bachelor Degree in accounting not just an associate degree as Nagy had suggested. Galbraith thought this person should be on the same level as the present city clerk.
Commissioner Fryman said, “he thought this new person was an assistant for the city clerk and would be reporting to the present city clerk”.
Mayor Thornton stated, “he thought they were trying to hire a CPA, the top of the pyramid that the whole accounting department would answer to. This person would be the one to answer any financial questions that any department might have like a chief financial officer of any business.”
Commissioner Horne agreed with Mayor Thornton while Commissioner Brooks did not express an opinion. The city officials continued for quite sometime back and forth describing what they thought the duties of this new person should be.
It was finally decided that a Deputy Clerk/Accountant was not the position they needed.
Mayor Thornton and all commissioner voted no against city manager Nagys recommendation. They then decided to do much like Mayor Thornton idea. They would create a new position of Finance Director and then hire that person.
I will have to agree with Mayor Thornton on this. I was at the meeting when the auditors made their recommendation. To me they clearly meant the City of Paris needed to hire a CPA type person to take charge of the Cities Finances, not just a Deputy Clerk/Accountant.
Until next time,
you must have been mistaken that all of them was wrong about the job. this sounds like nonsense from you.
ReplyDeleteYou can think what you want. What I wrote is on the record.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't believe what I have written go to the city office and ask for a transcript. It is a matter of public record. I was there and heard them say it.
My concern is this, why do we need to hire a finance director? Is that not what we have a city manager for? Now if they have to end up hiring someone to take care of the finances, then what is the responsibilities of the city manager? From your blog and what I read in the paper, all we hear is that the city has no extra money. Is is not the city managers main job to look after the finances? If it is not his job, then why are we paying a huge salary to this man?
ReplyDeleteYour concern is a very good point! According to state law [KRS 83A.150] the city manager is responsible for all financials. Your questions are great, and deserve answers. This is why more of the public should attend the meetings. WE need the citizens of Paris to hold city officials accountable for their actions.
ReplyDeleteI ask you to join me at the next commissioners meeting.
The financial responsibility should be on the city manager, Mr. Casher always handled that, as well as previous city managers, I am really confused on the hiring of someone who obviously lacks the experience needed or the auditors would not have made this recommendation:
ReplyDelete(from one of your earlier posts)
Item 2 Auditors stated Condition was- The City lacks experience in applying generally accepted accounting principles to transactions recorded throughout the year and aid in selecting appropriate financial statement disclosures.
I would think for the amount of money that the current City Manager makes this would have been a top priority when the current city commissioners hired him. Now we are reading and hearing the discussion of hiring someone to be responsible for helping with the finances. Mr. Galbreath and Mr. Brooks are both bankers and know the importance of this responsibility, Mayor and Mr. Horne are men in this community who own their own business and Mr.Fryman was responsible for the running of the local jail. How could there been such an oversight on this the most important responsibility of the city manager. I would love for them to explain to this community to now justify the hiring of another person.
I totally agree with your statement and observations. Having a financial background should be high on their list of requirements for the City of Paris, City Manager job.
ReplyDeleteJoin me at the next meeting. I feel sure they will be discussing the new job position again.