City Council Meeting – Council Member Items Report
To: City Council
From: Don Kennedy, Councilman ; Pat Burns, Mayor ; Chad Williams, Councilman
Date: July 15, 2025
Subject: Transparency for Taxpayers – Public Contracts
2000 Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | www.huntingtonbeachca.gov
ISSUE STATEMENT
The City of Huntington Beach should implement a formal review process for contracts and final project costs upon the completion of each capital or service project. This review would assess overall performance and ensure alignment with the original project scope, objectives, and budget.
End-of-project reporting can offer valuable insights into whether vendors fulfilled contract requirements, remained within budget, and delivered anticipated value. It also provides an opportunity to identify any pricing discrepancies, change orders, or issues encountered during project delivery.
Establishing a consistent and transparent reporting process will enable both the public and City leadership to evaluate project outcomes and the overall community benefit. In turn, City staff and the City Council will be better positioned to refine contract management practices and make more informed decisions on future agreements.
This approach promotes fiscal accountability, enhances operational performance, and supports the City’s ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship of public funds. Documenting these evaluations also creates a historical record that contributes to institutional learning and continuous improvement.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Direct staff to evaluate and develop a Contract Completion Reporting Policy, and report back to the City Council with the policy, and twice a year thereafter with contract reports. The Contract Completion Reporting Policy should consider all contracts $500,000 or more and include project description, total cost, final budget summary (on/below/over budget), project schedule completion summary, and any other applicable information.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS
Not applicable
STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL
Non Applicable - Administrative Item