Biennial Audits Oversight Commission Gets to Work

The Baltimore City Council continued its push to increase fiscal accountability Wednesday when members of a newly-created oversight body convened to consider audits of key city agencies.

The seven-member Biennial Audits Oversight Commission gathered for its first meeting of the year Wednesday at City Hall. The commission, which is comprised of the city council president, three council members, the comptroller, finance director and inspector general, is responsible for overseeing audits of critical city agencies.  

The commission resulted from the passage last November of ballot Question I. In addition to requiring audits twice as often as previously mandated, the bill adds three city agencies that must undergo regular reviews: the Departments of Health, Human Services and Employment. Agencies that were previously required to undergo routine audits include the Departments of Public Works, Police and Fire.

This new direction came as a result of City Councilman Eric T. Costello, the bill's chief sponsor, and his efforts to improve fiscal oversight. Costello is a former information technology auditor in the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Baltimore City Council President Bernard C. “Jack” Young is excited about the direction of the commission

“I’m confident this new process will help improve efficiencies and increase transparency in city government,” Council President Young said. “I believe the council’s push for better audits is a sign that city government is constantly adapting and improving.”

The Biennial Audits Oversight Commission is tasked with providing guidance to the City Auditor on the scope of performance audits. The commission reviews agencies that track such things as how often potholes are filled or the process in which restaurant inspections are completed.

For additional information on the commission, please click here.