County budget reveals major financial oversight and savings
October 18, 2024 | Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
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In a recent government meeting, officials outlined the county's financial operations and budgetary requests, emphasizing the importance of oversight and efficiency in managing public funds. The proposed budget for the year stands at $8.7 million, aimed at supporting 94 full-time positions, of which 81 are currently filled.
The accounting division plays a crucial role in monitoring the county's financial affairs, processing over 300,000 vendor payments annually, and managing new contracts and amendments. This year, the payroll section has successfully processed more than 126,700 payments, totaling approximately $316 million in wages. Additionally, the construction division is overseeing 61 active projects with a combined budget of $250 million, identifying savings of around $450,000 through diligent inspections.
A significant initiative discussed was the collaboration with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement a new debit card service for foster care and senior care payments, set to continue through 2025. The division also plans to pilot a debit card system for poll workers at one precinct this fall, reflecting a trend seen in other counties.
The auditing division highlighted its role in enhancing county operations through financial and performance audits. It has passed five consecutive peer reviews without deficiencies and is set for another review covering 2022 to 2024. The division's in-house audits have saved the county approximately $10 million in fees, including a recent audit of the health department's air quality fund, which revealed $1 million in unspent funds for areas suffering from poor air quality.
Concerns were raised regarding the Department of Human Services' homeless assistance program, which has been criticized for lengthy waiting lists and extended shelter stays, with one individual reportedly remaining in a shelter for 1,500 days. The findings from these audits will be made available for further review, as officials seek to address these pressing issues and improve service delivery across the county.
The accounting division plays a crucial role in monitoring the county's financial affairs, processing over 300,000 vendor payments annually, and managing new contracts and amendments. This year, the payroll section has successfully processed more than 126,700 payments, totaling approximately $316 million in wages. Additionally, the construction division is overseeing 61 active projects with a combined budget of $250 million, identifying savings of around $450,000 through diligent inspections.
A significant initiative discussed was the collaboration with the Department of Human Services (DHS) to implement a new debit card service for foster care and senior care payments, set to continue through 2025. The division also plans to pilot a debit card system for poll workers at one precinct this fall, reflecting a trend seen in other counties.
The auditing division highlighted its role in enhancing county operations through financial and performance audits. It has passed five consecutive peer reviews without deficiencies and is set for another review covering 2022 to 2024. The division's in-house audits have saved the county approximately $10 million in fees, including a recent audit of the health department's air quality fund, which revealed $1 million in unspent funds for areas suffering from poor air quality.
Concerns were raised regarding the Department of Human Services' homeless assistance program, which has been criticized for lengthy waiting lists and extended shelter stays, with one individual reportedly remaining in a shelter for 1,500 days. The findings from these audits will be made available for further review, as officials seek to address these pressing issues and improve service delivery across the county.
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