Editor,
I’ve been reading with interest the comments on the city treasurer position. The incumbent’s supporters would have voters believe that the part-time, elected position of city treasurer provides the only checks and balances for city funds and is responsible for “creating wealth for the city”.
The city treasurer “manages” Laguna’s investment funds, but California Government Code Sections 53600 seq. and California local agency investment guidelines prescribe where cities are allowed to invest. Security of funds and cash flow are the primary investment objectives. Formal annual audits and more frequent internal audits by an auditing firm are required by law.
In February 2016, the city hired an independent consultant to review the treasurer’s position and compare it with other cities elected treasurers. The Mark Flannery report found that Huntington Beach, Placentia, Orange, San Clemente and Brea treasurers have similar duties that are accomplished in 10 hours a week. The incumbent is budgeted 25 hours a week and has repeatedly asked for full-time compensation. Additionally, the incumbent receives full benefits and pension increasing her compensation to almost $160,000 a year for this part-time position.
Much has been said about the incumbent’s CPA, but do voters know the incumbent has charged the city 80 hours annually for continuing education and professional activities? Mr. Flannery added these activities are “of little or marginal value to cities”. The city’s current annual budget of $6,800 for the treasurer’s continued professional development and certifications is far more than the next highest reported amount of $1,180 of three survey cities. More troubling, is the Flannery report’s conclusion that the incumbent treasurer’s estimated hours for many duties were excessive compared to other cities with more hotels.
Anne McGraw has over a decade of commercial banking operations experience and for the last 18 years has operated a successful local bookkeeping business. She currently has fiduciary responsibilities for non-profits and she has committed to completing the treasurer duties without overtime charges. She has a long list of current and past city council members supporting her campaign. She has my vote, too.
Mark Miller, Laguna Beach
