2010 Finance/Tax/Refuse Departmental Highlights:

• Completed and released the 2009 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report in 2010. This report was audited by James G. Zupka and the City received an “unqualified” opinion which is the best opinion you can receive.
• The City received their 26th Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
• Received the State of Ohio, Auditor of State Mary Taylor “Making your Tax Dollars Count Award”. The Award states the City of Brunswick is truly a model for government entities throughout the State of Ohio. The Award also demonstrates the City of Brunswick’s ability to achieve the highest standard in financial reporting; commitment to careful spending, fiscal recording and efficiency, a trustworthy guardian of taxpayer dollars.
• Compiled a realistic and conservative 2011 budget, which is fiscally responsible and provides the best possible services within its means to its residents, businesses, and visitors. The budget was compiled as an on-line document and is posted on the City website www.brunswick.oh.us. This budget document is user friendly, informative, and transparent. The City will continue to update/revise the 2011 budget estimates as the latest information is received or learned.
• The City was successful in retaining its debt rating of Aa2 with Moody’s (New York).
• Prepared and presented the City’s August 2010 Fiscal Condition and Outlook Presentation to City Council, the City’s Audit Committee and City employees.
• Compiled and put together the City’s 1st Enterprise Resource Planning Project and funding plan. This plan will address and upgrade various financial software packages (including finance, payroll, utility billing, income tax, rec center, and courts). Some of these software packages have not been updated or upgraded for as many as 15 years and will no longer operate or become obsolete by 2014. The implementation and upgrade of these software packages are anticipated to take 3-4 years to complete as a result of the current City staff resources and age of the City’s software. These upgrades are also expected to eventually provide the residents and businesses with on-line e-services.
• Along with the City Manager, negotiated a 6 year income tax revenue sharing agreement with the Brunswick City Schools.
• Improved the processes, communications, and relationship with the City’s refuse hauler and eliminated old outstanding invoices. The relationship couldn’t be any better and runs very smoothly.
• Negotiated a 73% reduction in the City’s Investment Advisory contract.
• Initiated the 1st debt reduction program for the City of Brunswick in the last 8 years by reducing the current short term note principal by approximately 5.8%.
• 2010 was another year in which the City continued to reduce costs by reducing non-safety staffing levels through attrition/early retirement incentive program. During 2010 there were 12 more retirements. 3 of these 12 positions will or have been replaced (City Manager, Chief Tax Clerk and Recreation Center cashier), 2 of these full-time positions will be replaced with part-time positions (Law Clerk and a Clerk in the Fire Department). The remaining 7 positions (2 Street Laborer positions, 2 Building Clerks, 1 Finance receptionist, 1 Finance Chief Bookkeeper and 1 Senior Citizen Coordinator) have remained vacant in order to reduce the City’s previously projected structural budget deficit.
• Reorganized the Finance and Income Tax Department layouts to provide a less restrictive space and promote a more customer friendly environment.
  

  Respectfully,
  Todd R. Fischer
  Finance Director