COMPTROLLER'S CORNER Local Governments Can Benefit From Comptroller's Web Site By Loleta A. Didrickson, Comptroller, State of Illinois

The Comptroller's Office has a new resource for the local officials' repertoire of ways to improve and streamline their operations. By tapping into the Local Government section of the Comptroller's new World Wide Web Site (http://www.comptroller.state.il.us) local government officials can access various fiscal reports, software and other tools designed to inform officials of current issues and help improve day-to-day operations.

Researchers can also benefit from a large local government financial data-base dating back to the 1990 fiscal year, allowing for trend analysis on local government revenue streams, spending and debts. This research can be done on various units as well as types of local governments.

From the Web, local officials can access information on a variety of subjects, including a newly revised Investment Guide that has been converted into a help file. This format allows users to view and print the entire report, or to pinpoint specific topics. Whether the user wishes to determine the usefulness of a repurchase agreement or whether a Liquid Asset Fund is right for their unit, the answer is just a mouse-click away.

Privatization is a growing means of cost savings for public officials and has benefited several communities in Illinois. By accessing the Privatization Report online, public officials can find out more about such services and help determine if such a venture can benefit their communities. In addition, a compendium of statutes that affect local government financial operations is available.

The Web Site is not only an educational tool, but a resource that can streamline operations. TownAccount, the software for Townships and Road and Bridge Districts, can be downloaded from the Internet. This software maintains financial data for local governments and also prints checks and statutorily-required reports. Best of all, it's free. This system is particularly useful for the small local government that may not have the resources to purchase a commercial software program.

Also available is the Express Diskette Filing Program. Instead of having to type the seven-page Annual Financial Report (AFR), local officials can simplify their workload by downloading this software and returning their fiscal information via diskette. This program also saves taxpayers dollars by eliminating the costly paper-driven process. Materials to assist the AFR filing process include a glossary of local government financial terms, the local government Chart of Accounts and suggestions on AFR filing.

Intergovernmental cooperation and outreach is another means of support. For assistance, users can access information about the Local Government Affairs Division's regional offices and send e-mail to employees. And, the Web Site will continually be updated to cover the timely topics that affect local government finance and operations. •

November 1996 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 29