Syracuse City Council Meeting with City Auditor on April 14, 2026

The meeting on April 14, 2026, convened at 10:30 AM, chaired by the Council President, with the City Auditor Alex Murray and his department presenting their annual report and proposed budget to the Common Council. The session included a moment of recognition for Officer Michael Jensen and Deputy Lieutenant Michael Husok, lost on this date. Discussion focused on the Department of Audit's work, resource needs, and tensions over requested audits and council relations.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were noted in the transcript.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• Annual Report and Budget Proposal: City Auditor Alex Murray presented the department's annual report and a one-page summary of work from the past year. He highlighted three completed audits, policy reports, and accomplishments including updates to city vehicle and traffic laws (e.g., blocking bike lanes as an ordinance), increased firework permit fees, and updates to licensing laws. The office also advocated for tenant protections and housing improvements. Murray introduced new Deputy City Auditor Matthew Cutney, previously with the NYS Senate and DC budget office.
• Proposed Budget Adjustments: Murray provided a memo detailing the administration's proposed budget versus his office's request, with yellow-highlighted additions. The office requested an additional $3,000 in temporary services for the next fiscal year and two new positions: one full-time auditor one and one part-time auditor one, aiming to create two auditing teams to handle concurrent audits and larger studies. The current staff includes Deputy City Auditor, an auditor three, a secretary, and a part-time auditor one. Murray noted the office has met yellow book requirements for 80 hours of continued professional education each for the past two years.
• Conflict Over Requested Audits: Councilor Moore stated she requested an audit of police and fire department overtime and take-home vehicles to inform budget decisions. She reported that Murray initially replied he could not conduct the audit within six weeks, citing violation of Government Accountability Office standards, and offered no alternative timeline. Moore later sent a resolution asking for the audit in six months, to which she received no response. Murray countered that the office had already conducted a police staffing study two years prior, using $150,000 in taxpayer funds for an outside consultant, and had not received follow-up from council members. He also called for additional resources to undertake special projects. Councilors expressed frustration, with one councilor stating that a microaggression was perceived when Murray linked his inability to perform audits to the council's failure to fund his prior requests. Murray defended his stance, emphasizing compliance with yellow book standards and the need for proper resources.
• Hiring Practices: Councilors inquired about hiring practices. Murray confirmed that positions are publicly posted, and he makes final hiring decisions. He noted that for an auditor one position (starting salary in the low $50,000s), a CPA is not required as the salary cannot attract CPAs. The office previously hired a deputy and secretary.
• Budget Line Items: Discussion covered contractual and other expenses, with a large portion going to outside legal counsel ($25,000) mandated by a 2023 charter amendment. Professional services also include memberships like the NYS Government Finance Officers Association.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes or resolutions were passed during this hearing. The meeting concluded with a request for a motion to adjourn.
• The council received the audit department's annual report and proposed budget adjustments for consideration. No decisions on budget requests were made.
• Tensions remain regarding the council's request for a police and fire overtime audit, with no resolution reached. Murray reiterated the need for additional resources to meet such requests.