Community Commentary:

Herbert Molano is to be commended for his abiding interest in activities that impact the welfare and well-being of Glendale residents (“Glendale needs fiscal transparency,” Thursday).

He has called for accountability by our city staff and management and City Council members. He has suggested in meetings, and in conversation with staff, that measures (“metrics”) be established in the form of a “balanced scorecard” for city operations. He wants this data made public so that all concerned will be able to see how our needs and wants are being addressed. A “balanced scorecard” would show where improvements have been made, and also where more effort is needed.

Behind the scenes, there are metrics. Additional metrics are being developed by city staff. It’s a slow process. The lead organization is the internal auditor’s office. The office’s well-educated and trained professional staff is under the able leadership of Bill Fox. The auditor’s office is overseen by an audit committee, a group of five citizen volunteers, appointed by the council and serving for three to six years each. The audit committee is tasked with meeting at least quarterly to oversee and advise the internal auditor and report its findings to the city manager and council, at least annually.

The assistant city manager, the director of finance, the internal auditor and a city attorney participate in these meetings, which are open to the public. For whatever reasons, the public has been present only as represented by the volunteer audit committee members.

Audit reports are made to all involved city managers, when and as completed, and are reviewed by the audit committee in preparation for each meeting. As appropriate, the city’s external auditor also participates in these meetings. Presently, only a few government organizations have an internal auditor. Glendale is to be commended for having this oversight function with the resources and backing to do an outstanding job.