JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Mayor Donna Deegan signed an executive order Tuesday encouraging people appointed to city boards and independent agencies to take training on finances, audits, ethics and public records laws.
The order also calls for independent agency leaders to certify the financial information they give the city.
Deegan said the training would help volunteers who oversee public money and make decisions for city boards and agencies.
“Taxpayers deserve confidence that the people overseeing their money understand the budgets, audits, and ethics rules in front of them,” Deegan said.
New appointees are encouraged to complete the training within 90 days of City Council confirmation. Current appointees are encouraged to complete it within 180 days. The training would be free.
The city’s Finance Office must offer financial training within 90 days. It will cover how to read financial statements, understand the city budget and spot possible financial problems, including risks tied to debt, credit ratings and pensions.
The order recommends that independent agencies include a signed statement from their chief executive when submitting budgets, financial reports or other financial data to the city. The statement would say the information is accurate and complete to the best of the official’s knowledge.
The order takes effect immediately. It does not require appointees to take the training or make certification mandatory.
Deegan said she will work with the Jacksonville City Council on legislation to make the standards enforceable.
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Source: www.news4jax.com
