Commissioner Fish statement on independent Chief Financial Officer
October 24, 2013
I believe strongly that the City of Portland needs an independent Chief Financial Officer who reports to the City Council. To that end, I have drafted and circulated proposed legislation.
Last year, I worked with Commissioner Fritz and my Council colleagues to create an independent budget office. This reform has significantly increased transparency in the City’s budgeting processes.
An independent CFO will strengthen transparency and accountability, provide the Council with strategic high-level advice, and protect the City’s long-term financial health.
Mayor Hales has now proposed that we undertake a broader review of the Office of Management and Finance, utilizing outside experts. I welcome this exercise, and expect that one of the options developed by the committee will be for an independent CFO to strengthen financial oversight.