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The Auditor shall have the authority and responsibility to conduct performance and financial audits or special studies of all phases of the City of Berkeley government in accordance with government auditing standards. Such audits may include financial, compliance, efficiency and economy, and program results auditing. The Auditor shall consult with the Mayor, City Council, and City Manager regarding the selection of audit entities, but the final decision of what to audit shall remain with the Auditor. The Auditor shall furnish the City Council with a planned audit schedule by the beginning of each fiscal year. The Auditor may modify the audit schedule as necessary and will notify the City Council of such modifications.

The Auditor shall have unrestricted access to employees, officials, records and reports, and as necessary, require all branches, departments, and officials of government to produce documents, files, and other records and information.

Audit reports completed by the Auditor shall be provided to the Council and made available to the public. The Auditor shall retain workpaper files concerning all audit reports issued for at least three years.

Funds sufficient to carry out the responsibilities specified herein shall be provided (subject to available resources).

Payment by the City, excepting redemption of bonds and interest coupons, shall be made only upon vouchers certified by the head of the appropriate department and approved by the City Manager, and by means of warrants on the City Treasury, or by checks drawn upon deposits maintained in a bank or banks, issued by the Auditor and countersigned by the City Manager. The Auditor shall examine all payrolls, bills and other claims and demands against the City, and shall issue no warrant or check for payment unless they find the claim is in proper form, correctly computed and duly certified; that it is justly and legally due and payable; that a budget appropriation has been made therefor which has not been exhausted, or that the payment has been otherwise legally authorized; and that there is money available to make payment. They may require any claimant to make oath as to the validity of the claim. They may investigate any claim, and for such purpose may examine witnesses under oath; and if they find it fraudulent, erroneous or otherwise invalid, they shall not issue a warrant or check therefor. No suit shall be brought on any claim for money against the City or of any officer, board or commission of the City until a demand for the same has been presented and rejected in whole or in part. If rejected in part, suit may be brought to recover the whole. Nor shall suit be brought against the City or any officer, board or commission thereof upon any claim or demand which has been approved and audited; provided, that nothing therein shall be construed so as to deprive the holder of any demand of their right to resort to writ of mandamus or other proceeding against the City Council or any officer, board or commission to compel them or it to act upon such claim or demand, or to pay the same when audited.