Welcome to the Business Journal Archives
Search for articles below, or continue to the all new BusinessJournalDaily.com now.
Search
'Best Practices' Publication Guides Local Government
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Auditor Betty Montgomery has issued a new publication designed to help local government officials make more efficient and effective use of taxpayer dollars. The first issue of "Best Practices" contains an overview of financial forecasting. It also features sample policies from across the state and country that Montgomery's office has reviewed and determined to be sound examples of effective internal control policies."Our goal was to provide local governments, schools, and other public agencies with well established guidelines to ensure taxpayer dollars are not wasted," Montgomery said. "By providing real life examples of policies that can be duplicated and implemented locally, we've enable government to operate more efficiently and with a higher level of accountability."Upon taking office, Montgomery appointed eight regional advisory boards made up of various local government officials. The boards were designed to help Montgomery's office gauge how to best serve local government. As a result of regional advisory board meetings over the past year, the "Best Practices" publication was developed as a management tool for local governments to assist in efficient and effective financial management of public funds.The first issue features articles about financial forecasting that discuss the benefits, common problems and solutions, and guidelines for proper and accurate financial forecasting. It also features sample policies governing cellular phone use and travel from within Ohio as well as from entities outside the state."Over the past year-and-a-half, we've seen alarming incidents of taxpayer-funded equipment and privileges seemingly used for personal benefit," Montgomery said. "It is our hope that this publication will help local officials put in place effective policies and help restore public trust in government."The publication is available online at www.auditor.state.oh.us under "Publications.""