The City of Kyle is accepting applications for its newly reestablished Audit and Finance Committee, a volunteer advisory committee that will give residents another way to take part in local government and help support public trust in City financial decisions.
The committee has five immediate vacancies, and members will serve two-year terms. The City is working to fill the seats as soon as possible, with the goal of having members in place ahead of the annual budget review process.
Residents interested in serving can learn more and apply online at www.cityofkyle.gov/bc.
What the committee will do
The Audit and Finance Committee will serve in an advisory role to City Council, the City Manager and other City boards and commissions on matters related to City finances.
That includes reviewing, discussing and making recommendations on topics such as budget status and fund balance reporting, the capital spending plan, debt management, investments, the independent annual financial audit, financial and procurement policies, and specific financial matters requested by City Council.
The committee does not replace City Council’s decision-making authority or the work of City staff, but it provides a formal way for residents to review financial information, ask questions and offer recommendations as part of the public process.
Why it matters
City finances touch nearly every part of local government, from streets and parks to utilities, public safety, staffing, facilities and long-term planning.
As Kyle continues to grow, the City is working to strengthen public trust, financial discipline and transparency around how taxpayer dollars are planned, managed and reviewed. The Audit and Finance Committee is one part of that work.
Residents who serve on the committee will help bring informed community perspective to important financial conversations. That kind of participation is especially valuable during major planning efforts such as the annual budget process, when the City reviews priorities, service needs and available resources.
Background on the committee
Kyle has had finance-related advisory committees in the past. In 2006, the City created the Kyle Committee on Finance and Audit to assist City Council with oversight related to financial and performance reporting, internal controls, compliance with laws and regulations, and efforts to improve City services.
In 2008, the City established the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee, which had broader responsibilities tied to strategic planning, goal-setting and City priorities. That committee was later amended several times before being abolished in 2015, with its duties returning to City Council.
Earlier this year, City Council directed staff to bring back the history of the previous committee and options for reestablishing a finance-related advisory body. After reviewing the history and discussing options, City Council approved the new Audit and Finance Committee through Ordinance 1409.
Who can apply
Applicants must meet the City’s general requirements for board and commission service. That includes being at least 18 years old, being a U.S. citizen, and having been a resident of Texas and the City of Kyle for at least six consecutive months before appointment. Applicants also may not be City employees or delinquent on any indebtedness to the City.
For the Audit and Finance Committee, members also may not be a party to active or pending litigation with the City, may not have a financial interest in any contract with the City, and may not serve on another City board or commission.
At least two members of the committee must have demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas:
Finance, including budget, accounting or auditing; banking, investments or bonds; insurance or risk management; procurement; legal services or contracts; or public administration.
Residents do not need to be City government experts to apply. The City is looking for residents who meet the requirements, are willing to learn, and want to contribute their time and perspective to the community.
Committee seats
The Audit and Finance Committee will have five voting members. One member must live in each of City Council Districts 2, 4 and 6, and two members will serve at-large.
Once appointed, the committee will meet at least once each calendar quarter. Meetings will be open to the public.
How to apply
Applications are accepted online at www.cityofkyle.gov/bc.
The City is working to fill the committee’s five immediate vacancies as soon as possible. Residents interested in serving are encouraged to apply soon.
Questions about serving on a City board, commission or committee may be directed to the City Secretary’s Office.
