Geneva Mayor Jim Cecere announced the creation of a new Finance Ad Hoc Committee during the City Council meeting on Jan. 7, aiming to strengthen financial transparency and oversight at City Hall.
The committee will serve as a short-term advisory body to help City Council better understand the city’s financial position and improve budget oversight. It is expected to begin work later this month and operate for about six months.
Reviewing city finances
According to the mayor’s office, the committee will review short-term cash management, debt obligations, reserve levels, financial forecasting, and budget practices. A key goal is to develop clear financial metrics that City Council can use during the annual budget process.
“This committee is about strengthening trust and understanding,” Cecere said during the meeting. “Our goal is not to replace or interfere with the work of City staff, but to give City Council and the public clearer insight into how our finances work, where we are strong, and where we can improve.”
Committee members named
The Finance Ad Hoc Committee will include Charles C. Bauder, Gary Baxter, Cyril V. Smith Jr., Kam Wong, Councilor Chris Lavin, and Councilor Pat Grimaldi. Two City Council members were included to ensure a direct connection between the committee’s work and the council’s oversight role.
Councilor Lavin said the committee will help council members ask better questions and improve transparency around city finances. Councilor Grimaldi added that clearer financial information will support more informed decision-making that reflects residents’ priorities.
What comes next
The committee will meet regularly and provide progress updates to the mayor and City Council. Its work will conclude with a final report offering recommendations to improve financial clarity, long-term planning, and public accountability.
The City Clerk is expected to coordinate the committee’s first meeting during the week of Jan. 19 at Geneva City Hall.
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