Comptroller Audits

Series

Identifier: 1800-13

Scope and Contents note

Reports and working papers compiled by the Comptroller's audit staff. The Comptroller had responsibility for conducting fiscal audits and in 1981 created a separate division for that function. Subjects of the audits were primarily consultant contracting, cash handling, concessionaire contracts, public corporations, and general accounting procedures. In 1992, the Audit Division was transferred to the Legislative Department and became the Office of the City Auditor.

Dates

Creation: 1968-1993

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.