The Duties of the Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector

By David Eric Sundstrom, CPA

The duties of the office of Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector are wide and diverse. They require knowledge, skills, and experience from several disciplines.

As Auditor - oversees how the public's money is collected and spent and develops and monitors the county's systems of internal control. This includes ensuring the disbursement of all county funds comply with Board policies and law and computing property tax rates for the county's 220,000 property tax parcels and apportioning $800 million in tax revenues to the County's nine cities, 44 school districts, the Sonoma County Community College District and 43 fire and other special purpose districts.

As Controller - responsible for the financial administration of a $1.3 billion budget, from line item budget preparation through financial reporting. Directs the internal audits of county departments and agencies to ensure they are operating effectively, efficiently, and economically and that county assets are safeguarded.

As Treasurer - Safely invests $1.6 billion in public funds on behalf of the County, schools, agencies, and special districts. Facilitates the issuance of municipal bonds. Develops the county's investment and debt policies. Stays current with federal monetary policy, investment industry trends and state and federal investment regulations. Performs daily cash management for the County and the county's school districts and special districts. Administers the county's $300 million deferred compensation plan.

As Tax Collector - Responsible for the efficient and equitable collection of local property taxes from 220,000 annual tax bills. Administers tax delinquencies and redemptions. Administers the transient occupancy tax program involving 500 inn keepers and vacation home providers.

As Trustee of the Sonoma County Employee's Retirement System - oversees the $2.2 billion investment pool and acts as a fiduciary to ensure that retirement benefits are paid as promised.

As Administrator of the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program - responsible for program administration. To date, over 2,000 projects have been completed with a total value exceeding $68 million.

Other Agencies, Authorities, and Districts - In addition to the responsibilities to the central Sonoma County Government, the Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector also serves as the Auditor and Treasurer of the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District, the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Community Development Commission, the Sonoma County Public Financing Authority, the In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority, the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District, the Industrialist Development Authority, the Occidental County Sanitation District, the Russian River County Sanitation District, the Rio Nido Geologic Hazard Abatement District, the Sonoma County Water and Wastewater Financing Authority, the South Park County Sanitation District.