Mayor: ‘The City must regain the public’s trust’
Since learning of the theft of more than $153,000 in checks and cash last week from the Finance Department, the mayor has moved quickly to notify the public of the situation and the surrounding criminal investigation (click to see the press release and a video of a news conference). Yesterday, he began taking steps, as he said, to “regain the public’s trust in its ability to responsibly safeguard taxpayers’ money.”
From a news release distributed Friday:
Mayor Taps Anne Arundel Co. Auditor to Review Finance Dept. Operations
Annapolis, MD (06-18-10) – Mayor Joshua J. Cohen announces that he’s tapping Anne Arundel County Auditor Teresa Sutherland to conduct an immediate review of how cash and checks are accounted for and secured in the City’s Finance Department.
The City’s outside independent auditor, SB and Company LLC, is already in the midst of its annual audit, but the mayor requested Ms. Sutherland’s additional review in the aftermath of the theft of the $153,000 in cash and checks stolen last week in the Finance Department.
Mayor Cohen has given Ms. Sutherland broad authority to review Finance Department operations. Her primary focus will be on the cash receipt process to determine the proper internal controls for preventing a theft. The Mayor expects a report within 30 days. This review will not interfere with the ongoing criminal investigation.
Mr. Cohen worked with Ms. Sutherland when he served as a member of the County Council. The County Council has authorized her to conduct this review at no cost, as a courtesy to the City.
“The City must regain the public’s trust in its ability to responsibly safeguard taxpayers’ money,” Mayor Cohen said. “Teresa’s expertise will be valuable to help us identify any flaws in our systems and implement appropriate fixes. I am grateful to her, as well as to Council Chair Ed Middlebrooks and my former colleagues on the County Council, for assisting the City with this important issue.”
Ms. Sutherland is a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner. She has been an auditor for 27 years, and before becoming the county auditor, she worked as an IRS agent.
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The mayor also discussed the theft in his latest weekly address (posted Thursday):
A Great Example of Businesses Supporting the City
Two businesses, Stan and Joe’s Saloon and Capital Bicycle, are putting on a benefit Saturday to raise $10,000 for the Annapolis Police Department’s bike patrol. These businesses saw the need to help out their city, specifically by raising money for new bike equipment. This is a great example of the kind of partnering that the business community and the City government can do to benefit Annapolis.
Here’s the news release:
Local Businesses Organize Benefit for Police Department’s Bike Patrol
Fundraising goal: $10,000; Chief Pristoop volunteering for dunking booth
Annapolis, Md. (06-11-10) – Mayor Joshua J. Cohen encourages people to come out Saturday, June 12, to Stan and Joe’s Saloon for a fundraising event organized by local businesses that will support the Annapolis Police Department. Attendees can get the chance to soak Police Chief Michael A. Pristoop in a dunking booth.
Stan and Joe’s Saloon and Capital Bicycle are seeking to raise $10,000 to buy new equipment for APD’s bike patrol, and they have organized live music and activities, including a dunking booth featuring local celebrities and dignitaries, a silent auction, food and much more. The event will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. at Stan and Joe’s Saloon, 37 West St.
Contributors may make a general donation or buy a specific piece of equipment. Local businesses are encouraged to provide donations for the silent auction.
Many citizens and visitors of Annapolis see APD’s bike patrol officers making their way through the streets while patrolling up close and personal. In these economic times, the bike patrol can use a hand. Time and daily wear and tear causes the equipment and tools our bike patrol uses to wear out and fail.
“I applaud Stan and Joe’s Saloon and Capital Bicycle for putting on this event to benefit the Police Department,” Mayor Cohen said. “I’m very appreciative that our local businesses are so dedicated to helping the City and supporting public safety.”
Also, attendees are encouraged to bring a can of food to donate to the Lighthouse Shelter.
Mayor Declares: Revised Budget Won’t Raise Property Tax Rate
At a City Council work session on Thursday, the mayor will present a revised fiscal year 2011 budget proposal that balances the City’s finances without raising the property tax rate. The mayor’s budget amendment calls for millions of dollars in additional cuts and other changes to offset further declining revenues. It will also ensure the City has the cash flow necessary to keep up with expenses.
Here’s the mayor’s rationale for not raising the property tax rate:
“The public has spoken loud and clear about how we should tackle this budget crisis. We understand the government should not bail itself out to get through this crisis.”
The mayor will unveil details at the City Council Chambers, starting at 1:15 p.m. The event will be aired live on City TV (Verizon Channel 34 and Comcast Channel 99/100). Be sure to check out this blog and the City of Annapolis Twitter page (@cityofannapolis) for more details during the work session.
While the public will not have the opportunity to formally address the council on Thursday, people are invited to speak on the budget at a special meeting of the City Council on Monday. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., and the council is expected to pass the budget that night.
In the meantime, let the City Council know what you think about the mayor’s proposal to balance the budget while leaving the property tax rate untouched. Leave a comment here or reach out to the council members here.
The mayor talks about the budget and other matters below in his weekly video address:
Catch Sneak Peek of Redesigned Annapolis.gov
Later this month, we’ll be formally rolling out an exciting redesign of the City’s website. In the meantime, though, we wanted to give you a sneak peek of our handy work: http://web1.annapolis.gov
We hope the new model is reflective of Annapolis as well as highly functional, offering viewers with all the information they have come to expect – and more. But what do you think? Give the new site a test drive and drop us a comment here or send one to webmaster@annapolis.gov.
The site has been many months in the making, and many thanks go out to Inna Young, the City’s webmaster, and the rest of the Management Information Technology team along with other employees from across all departments. As you’ll see, we’re still polishing, and in the coming months we’ll be doing some more rearranging, so your feedback is much appreciated.
Check out Market House proposals … then comment here
The Market House proposals are in, and now they are online for Annapolis to see.
Last month, the mayor invited businesses to submit short- and long-term proposals to set up shop at the Market House, and he was pleased to receive 15 bids to transform part or all of the crown jewel at City Dock.
Now that the review process is underway, the mayor invites you to offer your input on what concepts would best complement the downtown business community.
Go to http://annapolis.gov to find the list of applicants and their proposals. The mayor can offer short-term leases that expire no later than Jan. 3, 2011. The City Council must approve long-term leases.