The finance director is also responsible for preparing the operating and capital budgets of the city.

The major departments within the Finance Department and their respective duties are noted below:

Finance

The finance function encompasses the controller’s, payroll and data processing offices. This department handles accounts receivable, accounts payable, accounting and financial reporting, treasury and cash management, debt management and payroll.

Grants Office 

The grants office searches federal, state and foundation funding sources for aid that will assist and support the city’s quality of life. Staff uses the city’s Plan of Conservation and Development, capital improvement plan and the priorities of city commissioners to seek grants.

Offices of Assessment & Tax Collection

The offices of assessment and tax collection are responsible for discovering, listing and assessing all taxable property within the city and collecting all property taxes levied by the Board of Finance. The assessor’s office is responsible for the determination of assessed value, and the tax office is responsible for collecting taxes.

Purchasing & Central Services

This department is responsible for administering the city’s centralized purchasing function, including the issuance of all purchase orders on behalf of the city. The Purchasing Department also administers all bids and request for proposals issued by the city. The city’s central printing service and mail service also fall under this department, which is headed by the purchasing agent.

Risk Management

This department is responsible for identifying the risks of loss faced by the city and developing cost-effective strategies to avoid, prevent, transfer and finance such losses. The department is responsible for procuring insurance, administering claims and developing loss-control strategies. The department is responsible for all lines of loss and is headed by the risk manager.