Management and Performance Review of County Government ...

Assessment of the Finance and Business Functions
Fiscal Policies
Jefferson County does not have a comprehensive set of policies that act as a
guide for the finance-related departments and offices regarding financial matters of the
county. Fiscal policies serve not only as a guide but as a safeguard for the county and a
hedge against imprudent financial decision-making. They serve as internal controls to
ensure compliance with statutory requirements. In addition, they are a means of
instituting checks and balances within the budget process. The lack of a comprehensive
set of policies exposes Jefferson County to a high degree of financial risk.
RECOMMENDATION 4-6:
Establish a clear set of written financial policies that are officially adopted by the
Commissioners Court.
The policies should include the following:
‣ Financial Planning Policies;
‣ Revenue Policies;
‣ Expenditure Policies;
‣ Fund Balance Polices; and
‣ Accounting Policies and Procedures.
IMPLEMENTATION
The Commissioners Court should immediately appoint a committee of
representatives from the Auditor’s Office and the Office of Strategic Planning and Budget
to craft the county’s fiscal policies. The policies must be officially adopted by the
Commissioners Court to become effective. The policies should be presented to the
Commissioners Court by June 2006.
FISCAL IMPACT
This recommendation has no associated fiscal impact.
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