Charter Review Committee - 10/1/26

The Glendale Charter Review Committee met on October 1, 2026, to review proposed charter language establishing a city auditor’s office and audit commission. After discussion of the auditor’s independence, audit work plans, commission membership and powers, the committee unanimously approved the revised language as summarized during the meeting. The proposal includes a provision for the City Council to fund and authorize positions for the auditor’s office at levels it deems sufficient, and gives the audit commission subpoena authority, with court action required to enforce a subpoena. The committee also supported requiring at least one commission member to have professional experience in auditing, accounting, or public financial management, and setting a minimum meeting frequency of once per quarter.

City staff said the city manager planned to ask the City Council to establish a city auditor job classification as part of an upcoming first-quarter budget update, regardless of whether the charter amendment proceeds. The committee did not approve a specific appropriation or procurement. It continued review of its final recommendations report, inviting members to send edits to staff before a later meeting. Public comment raised concerns about city spending, pension costs, water rates, and government transparency, but no related purchasing decision or contract action was taken.