REP FC 112 2023/11/14 2022-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: November 14, 2023 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 11:11 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Re: Comm. No. 575/Res. No. 343-23 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 343-23, reports as follows: Resolution No. 343-23, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 575 dated October 26, 2023, creates one new Assistant Controller position for the Department of Finance This resolution establishes a new position to assist the Controller with the implementation of new accounting standards statements and the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, as well as address additional requirements for the Employee's Retirement System. Committee Member Cindy Evans commented on the numerous vacant positions within the County and the difficulty in filling those positions. She asked Finance Director Deanna Sako to explain why this position was being created. Ms. Sako stated that the County is growing, and numerous reporting needs to be done in the Finance office. Ms. Sako commented that with a growing County, the department needs to grow to meet the demands of the public. Without the employees, services would not be provided. Committee Member Heather Kimball commented on the hiring of this position and how it will line up with adopting a new program. Ms. Sako stated that they are working on the position description so that they may move ahead quickly and hopes to be under contract with a new program vendor by the end of the calendar year. Ms. Sako stated that the Controller or the Assistant Controller could work on the ERP, but there would need to be an audit of the financial statements as well, and it would be challenging for a brand new person to come in and help with the ERP and know all of the requirements of our system. Ms. Sako told Ms. Kimball that they hope to have someone on board by the beginning of the calendar year, but it would depend on how the Department of Human Resources is doing at that time. Committee Chair Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder commented in support of this measure. He acknowledged that Ms. Sako rarely requests positions before the Council, and when she does, she has a good reason for it. He stated that Ms. Sako may be requesting this to support the Finance Department before she moves into her new role. FC Report No. 112