Carmel introduces system to enhance transparency in government spending

In a continued effort to make government more transparent and accessible, the City of Carmel on Tuesday announced the launch of its financial transparency portal.

The portal will provide residents with a clear and detailed look into the city’s financials, making it easier than ever to track where and how public funds are being spent. The portal was detailed at Tuesday’s State of the City address and stems from one of Mayor Sue Finkam’s key goals for her first year in office – ensuring greater transparency in local government operations.

“Our residents have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and the portal system makes it easier than ever to access that information,” Mayor Finkam said. “By providing a clear and user-friendly platform, we’re empowering citizens, businesses, and stakeholders to stay informed about the city’s financial decisions anytime, from anywhere.”

Jackson

The portal was created and tailored specifically for the City of Carmel by Stone Municipal Group. Working closely with the city’s finance department, led by CFO/Controller Zac Jackson and Deputy CFO/Controller Ann Bingman, Stone Municipal Group has been in constant communication to ensure the seamless integration of Carmel’s financial data into this easy-to-navigate platform.

Key Features of the portal include:

• Comprehensive Data Access: The platform highlights key financial areas, including: General Fund spending; revenue and expense breakdowns; revenue trends, property taxes, and related data; department, commission, board, and committee spending data; and employee data
• Visual, User-Friendly Interface: The system takes raw financial data from the City and converts it into clear, easy-to-understand visuals. With tabs that break down specific areas, residents can explore everything from general fund expenditures to department-specific costs.
• Up-to-Date and Historical Data: While the City has always provided historical data, the system will now offer more current financial information, updated regularly for real-time access.

• Mobile and iPad Compatibility:Designed with accessibility in mind, the platform is fully compatible with mobile and tablet devices, allowing users to explore the City’s finances on-the-go.

“We believe the financial transparency portal will foster increased trust between the City and our residents,” Jackson said. “People want to feel confident that their local leaders are good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and this is an important way to demonstrate that.”

The portal is seamlessly integrated into the City of Carmel website and can be accessed on the Finance department’s page. This portal is the City’s first step in finding creative ways to share and engage on the topic of financial transparency. The site should be considered a test drive or proof of concept into how best to engage with the City of Carmel stakeholders.