Comptroller Subject Files

Series — Box: 10

Identifier: 1800-07

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence, memoranda, reports, committee records, and studies related to the administration of City finances. Includes materials of the Debt Management Policy Advisory Committee, Investment Committee, data processing planning, financial systems planning, and audits. Also includes records related to the City Clerk's functions including election administration and processing of initiative petitions.

Dates

Creation: 1912-1991

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Comptroller's Office (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

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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.