Skip to main content

Seattle Municipal Archives Finding Aids

Auditing Committee Minutes

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 1800-04

Scope and Contents note

Proceedings and supporting documents of committee that reviews and recommends disposition of payroll and voucher claims and demands. Recommendations are made to City Council. There is a gap in the minutes between 1916 and 1921.

Dates

  • Creation: 1890-1993

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The Comptroller was responsible by City Charter for supervising the City's financial affairs including administration of the accounting system, payroll system, investments, and borrowing. The Office also maintained a general auditing function. The position of Comptroller was established by Charter in 1890 and was appointed by the Mayor. The 1896 City Charter designated the Comptroller the ex-officio City Clerk and made the position elective. A 1991 City Charter amendment abolished the positions of City Comptroller and City Treasurer and merged the two functions to create the Department of Finance in 1993. The City was served by just twelve Comptrollers during the office's 100 year existence: Chauncey W. Ferris, 1890-1892; J.M. Carson, 1892-1894; Will H. Parry, 1894-1900; Frank H. Paul, 1900-1902; John Riplinger, 1902-1906; Harry W. Carroll, 1906-1910 and 1912-1938; William Bothwell, 1910-1912; W.C. Thomas, 1938-1958; Carl G. Erlandson, 1958-1976; Edward L. Kidd, 1976-1979; Tim Hill, 1980-1985; and Norward J. Brooks, 1986-1992.

Full Extent

16.2 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English