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SOUTH EL MONTE BR ING ING NEWS, PE OPLE AN D E VE N T S T O THE CITY OF S O U T H E L MO N T E
NEWS
IN THIS ISSUE HOMELESS COUNT
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WASTE & RECYCLING PROGRAM PG. 5 WINTER CAMP SENIOR ACTIVITIES
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STATE AUDITOR’S REPORT SHOW CITY OF SOUTH EL MONTE IS FINANCIALLY SOUND The California State Auditor released a report assessing the financial health of all California cities. South El Monte received favorable news as it is considered a “low risk” city, meaning that it is operating in a sound financial manner. There were 453 California cities examined in the latest report. South El Monte was ranked at 190. Among surrounding cities is one of the better rankings. Each year the California State Auditor has the mission to improve California government by identifying cities that are at high risk for the potential of waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, or that have major challenges associated with their economy, efficiency, or effectiveness. The financial health of California cities is examined by performing a risk assessment based upon audited financial statements. Financial health is assessed through key performance indicators, also known as metrics. These metrics have been developed in order to assess the financial health of all cities within the State using the same approach and methodology. All California cities are then ranked based upon initial assessment results, with the “High Risk” cities to be selected for a full State audit. These State audits are in-depth examinations that require a corrective action plan to demonstrate that deficiencies are corrected. The scoring system used to evaluate financial health consists of various metrics that measure performance. Among these metrics include: Level of General Fund Reserves; Amount of outstanding debt; Liquidity of available funds; Reserve trends of uncommitted funds; Funding level of pension obligations; Cost of pension obligations; and Retiree health care costs and funding. In this most recent State Auditor report, South El Monte scored 74 out of 100 possible points. Areas of improvement were identified regarding pension and retiree health care funding. South El Monte has already developed and is implementing a plan to address areas requiring correction. South El Monte has continued to work diligently in the area of improving financial reporting. The last audited financial statement resulted in a “clean” unmodified opinion. This is the highest level opinion that can be achieved reflecting that the financial information reported is accurate and conforms to government reporting requirements. Also, in the most recently completed audit, the independent auditing firm identified only 5 audit findings requiring corrective action. This continues a positive trend where over the prior two years the results were 15 and 10 audit findings respectively. This positive trend is the result of an expanded Finance Policy approved by City Council, City Manager leadership, and more qualified Finance Department staff. Further enhancements and improvements will continue as a new Financial Accounting system is currently being implemented. This is expected to be fully operational by May 2022. After the implementation of the new financial accounting system, there are plans to submit the audited financial statements and budget to the Government Finance Officer Association for their review and certification in their awards program.
CITY NOW ACCEPTING COMMISSIONER APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: JANUARY 5, 2022
PAID
PERMIT #87 EL MONTE EDDM ECRWSS
PRSRT. STD U.S. POSTAGE
These documents may be found on the City’s website at cityofsouthelmonte.org
Do you take pride in public service? Do you want to help shape the future of South El Monte?
The City Clerk’s office is accepting applications for City Commissions. Current terms will expire on December 31, 2021.
Residential Customer
City of South El Monte 1415 Santa Anita Ave. South El Monte, CA 91733
Get involved and join one of our Commissions below: • COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION – FIVE (5) POSITIONS
(2 of the members must be at least 60 years of age and 1 member between the ages of 16 and 21) The Community Services Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to social programming, health and welfare, child development, public recreational facilities and leisure activities.
• PATRIOTIC COMMISSION - FIVE (5) POSITIONS
The Patriotic Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all matters pertaining to patriotism and the civic recognition of both active and veteran military personnel.
• PLANNING COMMISSION – FIVE (5) POSITIONS
The Planning Commission is responsible, with the assistance of staff, for the development of the goals and objectives for the Planning and Community Development Department, to be approved by the City Council. All applicants must be a resident of the City of South El Monte and if appointed, complete a Live Scan. City employees are not eligible to serve on commissions. Applications may be obtained Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at City Hall’s Reception Desk, 1415 Santa Anita Avenue, South El Monte or on the City’s website at www.cityofsouthelmonte.org. The deadline for accepting applications is Wednesday, January 5, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. For further information, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (626) 579-6540, extension 3220.
