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TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action adopt Resolution No. 26-01 – A Resolution confirming that the Director of Finance’s duties and obligations include those historically assigned to a City Treasurer.
DATE: January 12, 2026
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Adopt Resolution No. 26-01; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
DISCUSSION
In 1957, the City incorporated as a general law city and established a City Treasurer as one of its municipal officers. In 2024, voters approved the City Charter, which identifies three appointed officers—the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk—but does not list the City Treasurer as a separate position. This action removed the treasurer from the City's local government.
General law cities are required to have a city treasurer as a municipal officer, unless the office is consolidated (see, Government Code §§ 36501, 36510–36512 [listing city officers (including city treasurer) and authorizing cities to make the treasurer elected or appointed]; §§ 41001–41005 [city treasurer duties in handling, depositing, and accounting for city money, including paying out funds only on warrants or checks properly authorized and audited]).
The proposed resolution affirms that when voters approved the Charter, the separate office of treasurer was removed from City government. All functions and responsibilities identified by California law as duties of a treasurer are performed by the Director of Finance.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Resolution No. 26-01....................................................................................................... 2 - Exhibit A: Director of Finance Job Description ..................................................... 4 -1-
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
RESOLUTION NO. 26-01
A RESOLUTION CONFIRMING THAT THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE’S
DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS INCLUDE THOSE HISTORICALLY
ASSIGNED TO A CITY TREASURER
THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. In 1957, the City of Bellflower incorporated as a general law city and included among its officers a City Treasurer. Resolution No. 94-68, adopted July 11, 1994, designates the Director of Finance as the City Treasurer.
B. In 2024, voters approved the Bellflower City Charter (“Charter”). Article IV(C) of the Charter identifies three appointed officers for the City: the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk. The Charter does not include a City Treasurer as an officer. The Bellflower City Charter shapes the City’s local government.
SECTION 2: Affirmation and Authorization. When voters approved the Charter, the office of treasurer was removed from City government. This resolution affirms that the City does not utilize a Treasurer. Instead, all functions and responsibilities identified by California law attributed to a treasurer are a function of the finance director.
The City Manager is authorized to implement the City Charter and this Re solution as required to confirm that the Director of Finance’s duties and responsibilities include those specified by California law.
SECTION 3: If any part of this Resolution or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Resolution are severable.
SECTION 4: Electronic Signatures. This Resolution may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
SECTION 5: The Mayor, or presiding officer, is hereby authorized to affix his signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Bellflower, and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed deputy, is directed to attest thereto.
SECTION 6: This Resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption.
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City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 26-01
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER ON THIS 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2026.
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
________________________________
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
ATTACHMENT:
Exhibit A – Director of Finance Job Description
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EXHIBIT A
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Finance Department, including finance, treasury, accounting, budget, and purchasing; directs and administers the fiscal operations and activities of the City, which include accounting, financial reporting, audits, cash management, investments, debt issuance and administration, revenues payroll, accounts payable and receivable, business licensing, and fixed assets; coordinat es assigned activities and fosters cooperative working relationships with other City departments, intergovernmental and regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Assistant City Manager and City Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager and Assistant City Manager. The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making, within legal and general policy and regulatory guidelines. Exercises general direction and supervision over managerial, supervisory, professional, technical, maintenance, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of management and supervision.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a Department Director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Finance Department, including short- and long-term planning and development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the Assistant City Manager and City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, municipal functions and activities, including the role of an elected City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of financial management areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
➢ Assumes full management responsibility for all Finance Department programs, operations, and activities for the City, Public Facilities Corporation, Financing Authority, and Successor Agency including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, audits, cash management, treasury/investments, debt issuance and administration, revenues, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, business licensing, purchasing, and fixed assets.
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Director of Finance
➢ Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
➢ Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary. ➢ Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns. ➢ Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change. ➢ Coordinates the development and administration of the entire City’s annual budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget; provides for financial forecasting and planning; tracks the adopted budget and prepares periodic budget reviews and updates for submission to City departments and City Council.
➢ Establishes the City’s central budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting practices; evaluates accounting procedures and financial controls; responds to and implements audit recommendations; ensures compliance with federal, state, and local government accounting and financial reporting standards and controls.
➢ Manages the City’s investment portfolio; ensures that investments meet the City’s policy guidelines and that adequate cash is available to meet obligations; prepares periodic reports regarding investments to the City Council.
➢ Oversees all activities related to the City’s accounting function, including financial transaction processing, record keeping and reporting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, business licensing, processing and issuance of checks and warrants, cash receipts, purchasing, fixed assets, and accounting system.
➢ Coordinates the issuance and administration of debt.
➢ Oversees the development of requests for proposals (RFP’s) for professional services and the advertising and RFP/bid processes for financial, audit, and other assigned agreements and contracts; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
➢ Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
➢ Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies and procedures as appropriate. ➢ Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a variety of boards, committees, and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of finance and other services as they relate to the area of assignment. ➢ Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files. ➢ Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
➢ Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager.
➢ Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
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Director of Finance
➢ Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
➢ Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision. ➢ Public agency budget development, contract administration, City-wide financial and related administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
➢ Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
➢ Principles and practices of governmental accounting, public finance administration and budgeting, auditing, and reconciliation; municipal taxation and revenue management. ➢ Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
➢ Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. ➢ Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work. ➢ English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation. ➢ Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, and with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public.
➢ Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to:
➢ Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
➢ Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City. ➢ Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
➢ Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
➢ Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, technical, maintenance, and administrative support personnel; delegate authority and responsibility. ➢ Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures. ➢ Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. ➢ Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of finance programs and administrative activities. ➢ Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory , and legislative organizations on matters related to City finances, funds, grants, and related issues. ➢ Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials. ➢ Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
➢ Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems. -6-
Director of Finance
➢ Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines. ➢ Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs. ➢ Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. ➢ Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
➢ Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, business or public administration, or a related field and ten (10) years of experience in municipal finance and accounting including five (5) years of management and/or administrative experience.
A Master’s degree in public administration or a related field is preferred.
Licenses and Certifications:
➢ Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license and insurability at regular rates for the City’s automobile insurance.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
EFFECTIVE: July 2015
REVISED: January 12, 2026
FLSA: Exempt
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