Association of Local Government Auditors

Jerry Shaubel gives his pre-farewell address (the real one will be at the conference)

Well, like so many before me, my year as President has come and gone in a flash.  But what a year it's been for our members.  The global economic crisis is straining the resources of our cities and counties like never before. 

Several governments have put staff on furloughs or taken other measures in order to reduce costs.  ALGA members are enduring budget and staffing pressures at a time when our work is even more important.  Unfortunately, audit functions are occasionally seen as a place to make cuts for quick cost savings, the exact opposite of what should happen in times of trouble.  Enlightened politicians and executive managers, on the other hand, see the true value in the work of our members and do not succumb to short-term cuts that will impact the organization's operational efficiency for years to come.

In the U.S., Congress recently passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  On February 27^th, many of you listened in while Acting Comptroller General, Gene Dodaro, gave us a brief overview of how the provisions within that Act might impact activities at the local government level.  As a result of the Act, many jurisdictions will see an influx of money.  That money is to be spent as soon as possible on projects in an effort to create jobs that will enhance infrastructure to support economic growth as we move forward.

As infrastructure funds flow into local government coffers, managers, already overextended by years of budget cuts, will struggle to effectively control the resulting increases in projects and activities.  Although primarily the responsibility of the GAO, audit and accountability professionals at all levels will have an important role in ensuring this money is well spent.  This increased demand on our resources highlights the folly of those who see eliminating or reducing audit functions as a good way to save money.  Many of our members have shown repeatedly that audit functions more than pay for themselves by enhancing controls and identifying significant cost savings.  If your budget or existence is being questioned, be sure to let the decision makers know that these times call for strengthened, rather than weakened, audit functions.

OK, off the soap box now.

I would like to thank all the volunteers who make ALGA such a great organization - from Board members, Committee members, peer reviewers, awards judges and, contributors to the Quarterly just to name a few.  You are ALGA and we are all more efficient and effective thanks to the synergies realized through your contributions.  And for those of you who have not had the time or inclination to get involved yet, we need you now more than ever.  Our volunteers benefit immensely from their contributions to the organization.  Whether it is through personal learning from their activities or the advantages of developing closer relationships with other local government auditors, you will benefit personally and professionally.

And finally, thanks again to all the staff at Member Services who take a tremendous burden off our volunteers and best wishes to Amanda Noble as she prepares to take over as our new President.

Jerry D. Shaubel
2008-09 President
JShaubel@toronto.ca

416.392.8030