Amend Bureau of Revenue and Financial Services Code to remove the need for continual delegation and clarify responsibilities (amend Code Section 3.15.070)
The City of Portland ordains:
Section 1. The Council finds:
- Effective July 12, 2019, Portland City Code Chapter 3.15 (Office of Management and Finance) was replaced in its entirety by Ordinance 189556.
- Prior to the 2019 Code amendment, the responsibilities and authority of the Revenue Division were expressly enumerated and assigned to the Revenue Division Director. The 2019 amendment reassigned those responsibilities to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) creating a risk that without written delegations each time the CFO position turns over, the Revenue Division will not have legal authority to administer taxes.
- Every Mayor since the Tom Potter administration in 2006 has delegated the authority to file lawsuits for unpaid debts to the Revenue Division Director, working in close cooperation with the City Attorney’s Office. This ordinance makes that delegation permanent.
- The proposed changes will clarify the Revenue Division’s responsibilities and remove the need for continual delegation of these responsibilities. They will have no impact on the current functions or operations of the Revenue Division or the Bureau of Revenue and Financial Services.
NOW, THEREFORE, The Council directs:
- City Code Section 3.15.070 is amended as set forth in the attached Exhibit A.
Official Record (Efiles)
An ordinance when passed by the Council shall be signed by the Auditor. It shall be carefully filed and preserved
in the custody of the Auditor (City Charter Chapter 2 Article 1 Section 2-122)
Passed by Council
Auditor of the City of Portland
Simone Rede
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
On July 12, 2019, PCC Chapter 3.15 (Office of Management and Finance) was replaced by Ordinance 189556. In the replaced version of Chapter 3.15, the responsibilities of the Revenue Division were expressly listed. In the current version of Chapter 3.15, those responsibilities were either removed or assigned to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Currently, these responsibilities are being delegated by the CFO to the Revenue Division and the Revenue Division Director. The proposed changes will clarify the Revenue Division’s responsibilities and remove the need for continual delegation of these responsibilities.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
The proposed code changes would not have an impact on City revenue or expenses.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
There are no community impacts related to this legislation. Therefore, community involvement was not considered to be appropriate for this item.
100% Renewable Goal
The legislation has no direct impacts on this goal.
Financial and Budget Analysis
Analysis provided by City Budget Office
No fiscal impact, as the proposed changes clarify the Revenue Division’s responsibilities and remove the need for continual delegation of these responsibilities. They will have no impact on the current functions or operations of the Revenue Division or the Bureau of Revenue and Financial Services.