Renne Public Law Group Managing Partner Jon Holtzman will join two local government finance and administration leaders for an Institute for Local Government webinar about strengthening public agency financial management.
“Strengthening Local Government Financial Management: Strategies for Accountability, Efficiency and Sustainability” will take place Thursday, Oct. 8, via Zoom. The webinar is the first session in ILG’s “Leading Through the Fiscal Cliff: Strategies and Tools for Local Governments” series.
The webinar comes as cities, counties and special districts confront economic uncertainty, increasing service demands, long-term liabilities and potential changes in state and federal funding. Jon — along with highly esteemed finance professionals Ben Rosenfield, principal of Ben Rosenfield Consulting and former controller for the City and County of San Francisco, and Matthew Hymel, principal of Matthew Hymel Works Consulting and former Marin County administrator — will offer practical strategies for identifying financial warning signs, strengthening fiscal oversight and making better-informed decisions.
A central theme of the discussion will be the distinction between balancing an annual budget and achieving authentic long-term financial health.
“Just because you have a balanced budget doesn’t mean you have a well-thought-out financial plan,” said Matthew.
The panel will explore multiyear forecasting, reserve policies, cash flow, internal controls and the appropriate use of one-time funding.
“If you don’t have a reasonable multiyear forecast and multiyear financial plan, it gets really hard to evaluate the ongoing costs of decisions,” said Ben. “There is no context for it.”
Jon will expand the conversation beyond the annual operating budget to address obligations such as pensions, other post-employment benefits, deferred maintenance, infrastructure needs and long-term labor costs that can be obscured by a short-term view.
“To say you don’t have a deficit while still owing $200 million in unfunded pension liability is not an honest assessment of your financial position,” said Jon. “That obligation is part of your liabilities.”
The speakers will also examine how agency staff and governing boards can support long-term fiscal sustainability.
“A lot of staff members will hear these best practices and think, ‘That would all be great, except my board won’t listen,’” said Jon. “That’s why well-organized and packaged information, transparency and training for governing-board members are so important.”
Drawing on decades of experience in local government leadership, budgeting, labor relations and fiscal recovery, the speakers will share examples of how agencies have or have not addressed issues of structural deficits, restricted funds, unfunded liabilities and other financial pressures. The program will combine a coordinated presentation with a moderated discussion and audience questions.
The webinar is designed for local government executives, finance professionals, department leaders, elected officials and others involved in public agency budgeting and financial decision-making.
Learn more and register through the Institute for Local Government.
RPLG practices throughout California, advising and advocating for public agencies and nonprofits, providing courageous, creative and responsive solutions.