WELCOME TO THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER AUDITOR’S OFFICE WEB SITE!
Hello, I'm Dennis Gallagher, your Denver City Auditor. Denver citizens are fortunate to live in a city and county with a rather unique form of government that includes an independently elected Auditor—something very few other cities have.
In the early years and territorial times, the City operated under various forms of government. In 1902 voters approved 'home rule' for Denver. This amendment to the state constitution created a combined City & County of Denver, a self-governing community with both municipal and county powers.
As a result of this, in 1904 Denver residents approved their own charter, providing for a city council, a 'strong-Mayor' form of government and an independently elected Auditor; the Auditor being a “check and balance” on the other two branches of government to ensure that no single person or group dominated City government. All three branches worked together for the betterment of the City.
In 2006, Denver voters again changed the charter to improve and streamline the City’s financial structure while enhancing the all-important check and balance watchdog role of the Auditor.
This charter change officially took place January 1, 2008. Previous to this date, the Auditor was the general accountant for the City and as such maintained the City’s financial records, paid the City’s bills and payroll. Those functions transitioned to a new Chief Financial Officer for the City. The Auditor is now able to focus on enhanced Audit Services, including a greatly expanded and more robust Performance Audit capability.
Under the new charter, the Auditor is responsible for:
- examining and evaluating the operations of City agencies for the purpose of ensuring the proper and efficient use of City resources
- auditing compliance with City contracts
- providing other audit services and information to City Council, the Mayor and the public to improve all aspects of Denver’s government
- reviewing and approving all contracts and grants with the City
- monitoring the City’s financial transactions
- ensuring compliance with the City's prevailing wage ordinance
- chairing the City’s Audit Committee and overseeing the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
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