2017 Annual Report

12 City of Chilliwack 2017 Annual Report General Government The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is appointed by Chilliwack City Council and is accountable to Council for the policies and programs delivered by the City of Chilliwack. As the most senior official in the City’s administrative structure, the CAO provides guidance and advice to Council and provides direction to all City departments. Administration provides support for Council, Committees of Council and department operations. By providing guidance to the City’s departments, Administration ensures a coordinated and balanced implementation of Council policy. This division of local government is responsible for ensuring: y The most cost-effective delivery of services to the public y Corporate fiscal responsibility and accountability y The provision of efficient, timely and friendly customer service y Responsive action to community needs The communications function of Administration works collaboratively across the organization to ensure that information is thorough, factual and timely. Communications activities include disseminating timely and accurate information, boosting awareness and understanding of local government processes and priorities, developing website content, communicating through social media, coordinating advertising and supporting a consistent identity for communications. The Finance Department is responsible for the financial management functions of the City. Finance staff liaise with all City departments and various external organizations, including the RCMP and the Fraser Valley Regional Library, to coordinate the City’s financial activities. The Finance Department is responsible for the development of the City’s annual Financial Plan (Budget), the annual financial statements, the annual review of the Development Cost Charge Bylaw and the preparation of the Annual Report. Finance is also responsible for the external annual reporting of financial activities to the Province. This department’s functions include: y Investment management y Payroll y Accounts payable y Accounts receivable y Collection of property taxes, water, sewer, curbside waste and recycling fees y Safekeeping of all financial instruments y Municipal government grant research y Risk Management Administration Finance Canada Day Face Painting Bike to Work Week Vedder Bridge Opening 11,067 HOME OWNER GRANTS processed online