P.R. Laws tit. 21, § 4255

2019-02-20 00:00:00+00
§ 4255. Administrative units—Finances

Every municipality shall establish an administrative finance unit which shall be directed by a person who meets the requirements established in § 4252 of this title, enjoys good reputation in the community and, in addition, meets those other requirements established in the plan for positions of trust approved by the municipal legislature. The Director of the Finance Office shall be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the municipal legislature. Without it being understood as a limitation, the Finance Director shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Advise the mayor as to the adoption and implementation of the municipality’s financial public policy.

(b) Participate, in coordination with the mayor, in the drafting and administration of the general budget of the municipality.

(c) Supervise the preaudit and processing of disbursements; accounting of appropriations, obligations and contracts; collections, including municipal licenses; acquisition and disposal of property; administration and control of investments; drafting and filing of financial reports, and performance of any other functions and activities related to the operations, transactions and other financial matters of the municipality.

(d) Maintain custody of all books, records and documents related to the financial and accounting activities of the municipality.

(e) Render the reports required by the mayor, the Legislature and any other public agency with the legal power and authority to require the municipalities to submit them.

(f) Take adequate measures to protect and safeguard the funds, securities and other municipal property.

(g) Request the Internal Auditor to perform the special audits that are necessary to clarify or investigate irregularities in the handling of municipal funds and property allegedly or actually incurred by municipal officials or employees, or any other person.

(h) Delegate [to] his/her employees and subordinates the performance of the corresponding tasks without impairing the proper performance of the functions and responsibilities imposed by laws, ordinances, and resolutions, and the quality of the services.

(i) Perform any other functions and responsibilities delegated to him/her by the mayor, or which are essential to the performance of the duties of the office.

(j) Evaluate in detail the accounts payable to the municipality and certify to the mayor which of those accounts are collectible and uncollectible. Provided, That such accounts may be declared uncollectible by the Director of Finance of the municipality, with the approval of the municipal legislature, when such accounts are at least five (5) years overdue and after the municipality carries out affirmative collection measures.

History —Aug. 30, 1991, No. 81, § 6.005; Oct. 29, 1992, No. 84, § 25; Aug. 23, 1997, No. 100, § 2; Sept. 7, 2004, No. 258, § 16.