Newport News revamps role of city auditor
Newport News is revamping the role and responsibilities of the city's fiscal watchdog and has launched a new hotline for people to report suspected fraud or abuse.
In the fall, City Council appointed Tammie Dantzler as city auditor. She started Dec. 2. Previously, the city manager selected auditors. However, Dantzler is notable for being the first auditor appointed by the council.
The council unanimously passed an ordinance Tuesday establishing the duties and responsibilities of the Office of the City Auditor. The ordinance notes the auditor will be appointed by a council majority vote, serving a four-year term and operating independently from other city departments.
Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany said the shift to a council-appointed auditor was in line with what other cities — such as Norfolk and Virginia Beach — have done. He argued having the auditor report to a legislative body and not working directly under the city manager gave the auditor more independence and 'unbiased oversight.'
'You never want the auditor to report to your direct hire, right? There needs to be some autonomy, I guess, if you will,' Bethany said. 'So that is ultimately what sparked it.'
The previous auditor who reported to the city manager, Shanti Mullen, left the city in April.
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As city auditor, Dantzler will evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of city programs, operations and finances. She will conduct audits, investigations and management advisory services to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
Dantzler will have access to city records, employees, and property as law allows. She will also provide annual audit plans, reports and updates to the council and the public. She told the Daily Press the office will have eight or nine staff members.
The office will set up a confidential hotline where employees and citizens can report suspected fraud, waste and abuse. Dantzler told the council that residents can deliver anonymous reports by telephone, online portal, mail, email or in person, and that her office will review the allegations. The city will soon launch a marketing campaign to promote the hotline.
The email to report fraud, waste or abuse is reportnnfraud@nnva.gov and the online link to report fraud can be accessed at apps.nnva.gov/forms/Report-NN-Fraud.aspx
Dantzler has more than 27 years of experience in various financial oversight roles in local government and nonprofit organizations, where she focused on financial management, internal controls and risk assessment. Before joining Newport News, Dantzler was the auditor for Norfolk for five years.
'I am blessed and honored to be appointed as the City Auditor for Newport News,' Dantzler said in a release. 'I look forward to working alongside the City Council and staff to uphold the city's commitment to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.'
Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
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