Jenny Wong, City Auditor
Promoting transparency and accountability in Berkeley government.
Audit News
from the City Auditor
May 2020
Shelter in Place Update
On Monday, the City of Berkeley Health Officer released an updated Shelter in Place Order , in conjunction with other Health Officers representing six Bay Area Counties. The new update , which went into effect today, Tuesday, May 19, and has no end date, allows the following businesses to reopen:
  • Retail stores for curbside or storefront pickup, and/or delivery only 
  • Manufacturing businesses
  • Logistics and Warehousing
 
These businesses must implement Site Specific Protection Plans, as required by California’s Resilience Roadmap, as well as any local guidance issued by the City of Berkeley’s Public Health Division, to include the following elements:
  • Implement measures to prevent customers from blocking pedestrian access or causing vehicle congestion while picking up goods.
  • Limit the number of employees in enclosed areas, to ensure at least six feet of separation between employees.
  • Not allow a customer to enter a store authorized to operate at any time.
  • Not display goods at curbside
Additionally, tennis and pickleball courts may be used by members of different households or living units so long as no more than two people are present (i.e., singles tennis).

Businesses and activities authorized under previous orders may continue. 

Everyone should continue to stay and work at home as much as possible, wear a face covering outside their home, and stay at least six feet away from people outside their household. Non-essential travel remains prohibited. Public or Private gatherings of any size remain prohibited .
Time to Prepare for Wildfire Season
Berkeley residents, especially hills residents, should take steps to prepare for power shutoffs and evacuations.

Get ready now by:
-           Signing up for alerts
-           Packing a go bag
-           Practicing evacuation with your family

Learn more about what you can do to get ready for disasters by visiting the City’s websites about wildfire evacuation  and all other hazards . 
Meetings Related to Budget
Today, the Budget and Finance Committee met to discuss the budget timeline , proposed capital and program deferrals and reserves. I gave comments that discussed the importance of considering capital and personnel reduction proposals holistically, which the Committee will begin discussing together next week. City Council will also be having budget discussions as specified on p.2 of the timeline.

Tuesday May 26
  • Discuss additional list of proposed deferrals

Thursday, June 4
  • Special meeting to discuss budget

Thursday June 11
  • Budget discussion

Thursday, June 18
  • Special meeting to discuss budget

Thursday June 25
  • Budget discussion
Presentation of COVID-19 Financial Impacts Report
On Saturday May 16 th I was a guest at the Berkeley Neighborhood Council. I presented an overview of the report, " Navigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Berkeley's Finances, " which my office released April 21, 2020 on economic conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019 Knighton Award-Winning Dispatch Audit
The 2019 Exemplary Knighton Award for best performance audit in the Medium shop category has been awarded to the City of Berkeley Auditor’s Office by the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA). The report, "911 Dispatchers: Understaffing Leads to Excessive Overtime and Low Morale," was judged on several key elements, such as the potential for significant impact, the persuasiveness of conclusions, the focus on improving government efficiency and effectiveness, and its clarity and conciseness.

Each year, local government audit organizations from around the U.S. and Canada submit their best performance audit reports for judging. The judges from peer organizations determined that this audit was among the best of 2019.
Resources For COVID-19 Information and Updates
Berkeley City Auditor | Website