ORDINANCE No. 176988

*Authorize contract with the Government Finance Officers Association Research & Consulting Center for an assessment of the City's budget systems and processes. (Ordinance; waive Code Section 5.68)

The City of Portland ordains:

Section 1. The Council finds:

1.  The City’s Adopted Budget is an key policy document that serves multiple purposes: it reflects City policies, goals and priorities; it implements long-range strategic planning initiatives and financial plans; it serves as an operational guide; and it serves as a communications tool informing citizens of the short and long-term issues and challenges confronting the City.

2.  The Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the City Council desire to improve and streamline the budget process to achieve efficiencies.

2.  The Bureau of Financial Services requires an independent and objective analysis of the City’s financial management system .

3.  It has been determined that it would be prudent and in the best interests of the City to have an independent and objective analysis of the City's budget system and processes.

4.  GFOA’s depth of knowledge, experience and expertise in public sector budgeting and finance and best practices, familiarity with issues being faced by government, their ability to draw on their affiliation with public finance organizations throughout the country, and their familiarity with the City’s budget make them an excellent choice for assisting the Bureau of Financial Services in this important assessment.

5.  Funding for the assessment will be absorbed within the Bureau of Financial Services’ FY 2002-03 Budget.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:

a.  The Mayor and Auditor are hereby authorized to execute a contract in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A.

b.  Section 5.68 of the City Code is hereby waived.

c.  The Mayor and Auditor are hereby authorized to draw and deliver warrants in an amount not to exceed $30,000.

Section 2. The Council declares that an emergency exists in order that there be no delay in the budget system and process assessment; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.

Passed by the Council: OCT 30 2002        GARY BLACKMER

Auditor of the City of Portland

Mayor Vera Katz

Office of Management and Finance            By /S/ Susan Parsons

Bureau of Financial Services              Deputy

TG:KR:JB

October 30, 2002                    

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 1277-2002

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 176988