Finance Department  - 2008 Recap

Last year the Finance Department worked to streamline banking and improved accounting procedures.  We converted our system from warrants to checks and consolidated three bank accounts into one. 

The Department provided timely monthly reconciliations and financial reporting.  The City’s first financial policy was developed and adopted, and the first Capital Improvement Program for 2008 – 2013 was also developed, adopted and published in partnership with other City departments.

The department supported Public Works with assistance in utility-rate analysis and comparative studies for the water and sewer utilities, and also formed the City’s first stormwater utility and corresponding utility tax.  Concentrated efforts in Finance included educating the public on the new stormwater utility through articles in the City newsletter and responding to individual inquiries.

The Finance Department worked to improve project management, job costing, reporting and billing with the City’s building partners by improving processes and timely reconciliation. PermitTrax software for building permits was purchased and installed to assist Community Development and the Finance Department with much better tracking and billing procedures.

With the current economic situation, balancing and publishing the budget was a major effort for Finance in 2008, as the City was challenged to reduce costs as much as possible, and still provide important and quality services for Black Diamond residents.  The final budget document is available on our department’s website and at the Black Diamond Library.