The Controller is an elected position in Allentown, serving for four years without a limit on terms. The Controller works independently from the Mayor and City Council.
The main duties of the Controller's Office are:
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- Keeping an eye on the city's money and checking how it's spent by different city departments, the Mayor, City Council, and other groups the city supports financially.
- Reviewing the annual budget before City Council approves it, giving suggestions to the Mayor and City Council if needed.
- Attending or sending someone to all City Council meetings.
- Doing specific audits or reviews requested by the Mayor or City Council.
- Giving updates to the Mayor and City Council about any recommendations found in the yearly financial check-up.
- Helping with outside audits or reviews done by other auditors.
- Making sure the city's financial reports are accurate and on time, along with suggestions on what to do next.
- Sharing reports of their audit findings regularly with City Council, the Mayor, and others.
- Providing guidance to City Staff when requested.
- Using legal orders to get information needed for their job.
- Doing financial checks on bank accounts related to city groups and archiving all city contracts and agreements.
People who notice any waste, fraud, or mismanagement of the city's money can contact the Controller by phone at 610-437-7527.