What’s going on in Audit and Control?

 

 May 26, 2021

 

 

Representatives from the Department of Audit and Control in conjunction with the Department of Budget and Administration participated in a Fund Balance Reserves Informational Session presented by Drescher and Malecki, LLP, Certified Public Accountants this morning. This proved to be an excellent opportunity to discuss the reserves authorized by the General Municipal Law (GML).

 

 


 


Fund Balance Reserves - Informational Session


                    City of Buffalo Personnel                                          Drescher & Malecki, LLC

Objective ActionTo participate in a fund balance reserve informational session that provide additional guidance on the several uses of fund reservesEnhance the usefulness of fund balance information by providing clearer fund balance classifications that can be more consistently applied and by clarifying the existing governmental fund type definitions
Near-Term MetricsDiscuss:  5 Fund Balance Classifications,
Importance of Reserve Funds & Use of
Reserves
Review 5 Fund Balance Reserves (Non-spendable, Restricted, Committed, Assigned & Unassigned), Provide a way to save money to fund projects without borrowing and have the ability to set aside funding for future use
Long-Term MetricsTo maintain a reasonable amount of available assigned and unassigned fund balanceTo continue to provide information on industry best practices on attaining a proper fund balance


December 9, 2020


With the guidance of Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams, the Investment and Debt Management Division presented a City of Buffalo Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) which was well attended by Governmental Officials, Buffalo Fiscal Stability Authority Staff, Drescher & Malecki, LLP Representatives, Media Reporter. The Comptrollers intent for hosting the informational session was to provide a public summary and analysis of the financial data included in the 2019-2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) in order to maintain a transparent government that will better serve the citizens and taxpayers of Buffalo. 


CAFR WEBSITE_____________________________________________

Under the leadership of Comptroller BMW the Investment and Debt Management Division presented a City of Buffalo Capital Budget Informational Session which was well attended by top Governmental Representatives. The presentation was conducted by Gregg Szymanski, Investment and Debt manager, Delano Dowell, Special Assistant to the Comptroller, Pam Tyler-Swygert, Principal Auditor, Lenny Tempestoso, Jr., Resource Development Technician. The Comptrollers intent for hosting the session was to collectively review all documents required by the Department of Audit and Control to expedite the implementation of the approved Capital Projects in a timely manner.

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On January 2, 2020 I was sworn in as the First African American Woman elected city wide to serve as the Comptroller for the City of Buffalo.

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I was so proud to take part in the Department of Audit and Control Holiday Party. It has been such a joy to be the City of Buffalo Comptroller. Congratulations to all staff involved for hosting a wonderful event. Everyone in attendance had a great time!

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Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams and Staff attending the NYGFOA Responsible/ Knowledgeable/Accountable Western Holiday Seminar

BMW and Edward Hutton, CFA Associate ProfessorBMW and NYGFOABMW and Director of Professional Services with NYS GFOA

The Department of Audit and Control presented an informational training session regarding the City of Buffalo Comprehensive Annual Financial Report ending June 30, 2019. Several Buffalo Common Council Officials,  Commissioner of Administration and Finance and Council Central Staff were in attendance. The presentation was conducted by Delano Dowell Sr., Special Assistant to Comptroller and William Ferguson, City Accountant. For more information on the CAFR go to the Transparency tab and Financial Reports on our website 

CAFR Info. Session

This afternoon Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams hosted the 1st Annual City of Buffalo Discretionary Fund Policy Training which was presented by the Department of Audit and Control Staff to the Common Council members and their representatives. The training provided additional guidance on the issuance and expenditures of community discretionary funds.


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As the Comptroller, I was glad to be able to bring a Bond Issuance Roles and Responsibilities 101 training today to City Hall with Hawkins Delafield and Wood LLP. Everyone expressed it was very informative. I will continue to be transparent and informative to the citizens of Buffalo


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Today I attended the 2020 City of Buffalo capital improvement program (CIP) kick off meeting in City Hall.
 As the Comptroller I listen to the project requests of the Citizens Planning Council (CPC) and see if we can fiscally and responsibly increased or decrease the 2020 debt budget cap based off the number of submissions by the community 

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Our office had the distinct pleasure of participating in the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Male Academy Scholars to Buffalo City Hall with staff Delano Dowell Sr. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6th. I’d like to THANK YOU ALL for your kind words and advice given to the mentee (Antwan). I really feel he enjoyed himself and has a better perspective of the functions of Buffalo City Hall.

 MBK Male Academy is part of a continued effort to build an equitable and inclusive City  of Opportunity for all people, including boys and young men of color, ensuring all youth can reach their full potential.

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