Long Beach City Charter §804 establishes the City Auditor's authority regarding the disbursement of City funds. The City Auditor must sign each check that the City issues, including vendor payments, workers' compensation claims, and employee payroll. Additionally, the Office of the City Auditor is responsible for the final approval of the City's wire transfers.

Each disbursement is reviewed to ensure payments are appropriate, timely, authorized, and documented. If there is an issue with a requested disbursement, payment is withheld until the issue is resolved. No checks or wire transfers may leave the City without the express authorization of the Office of the City Auditor.

The City Auditor's Office publishes a "Guide to Payments" to assist City employees in understanding the purchase and expense reimbursement policies of the City of Long Beach.

Click here to download the Guide.

The updated 2008 version continues the Office's general approach to City payments. An example of a recent change is that now reimbursement for a limited amount of checked baggage fees on City travel is appropriate, as these fees have become standard on most airlines.

FY 2011 Disbursement Facts

• Value of checks reviewed: $608,207,594
• Number of checks withheld: 998
• Value of checks withheld: $11,450,210
• Number of wire transfers authorized: 1,048
• Value of wire transfers authorized: $2,500,585,738