TUSTIN : City to Weigh Process of Picking Treasurer

The option of making the city treasurer an elected rather than an appointed position is among the items scheduled for discussion when the City Council meets at 7 tonight.

“I want to look at it,” said Councilman Jim Potts, who requested information on how the city of Orange manages its financial investments.

The advantage of having an elected treasurer, as Orange does, is that additional checks and balances would be established to help guard against “scams and embezzlements” that have befallen cities, Potts said.

Under state law, a treasurer must be elected by city voters or appointed by the council.

Tustin’s finance director, Ronald A. Nault, was appointed by the council. Nault manages the city’s investment portfolio of $58 million and oversees $50 million in bond funds.

Also on the council agenda tonight is the final reading of an ordinance that would allow Tustin voters to decide if council members should be subjected to term limits.

If approved by voters in November, the ordinance would limit council members to serving no more than two consecutive full terms.

At the June 6 council meeting, Potts and council members Michael J. Doyle and Tracy Worley voted in favor of the ordinance, which is aimed at preventing “career politicians” in the city.

Mayor Thomas R. Saltarelli and Councilman Jeffrey Thomas voted against the proposal.

Their concern was that Tustin’s clout would be diminished on county and regional boards that operate on a seniority system.

The council is also expected to consider a draft ordinance that would require the city’s solid waste disposal contract to be put out to bid every five years.