The operations and finances of the city of Äänekoski are in good shape
The audit committee also listens to young people's valuable views on joint decision-making
On June 10.6.2024, 2023, the Äänekoski city council approved the audit committee's evaluation report for the year XNUMX. The evaluation report shows that the operation of the city of Äänekoski has gone well, even though the municipalities and nationally have been living in the midst of challenging circumstances. The report highlights the city's successes, but also some areas for development and identified risks. It is particularly positive that the inspection board has also listened to the valuable views of young people on the city's joint decision-making.
- The operations and finances of the city of Äänekoski are in order and the evaluation report is factual. The questions posed by the inspection board will be answered according to the schedule by the end of September, mayor Matti Tuononen says.
- The inspection board works for the residents and brings out things that are important for the residents of the municipality to know. Transparency, information on issues and comprehensive reporting are essential so that the citizens of the municipality remain well aware of the city's activities. As a board, we have a great place to have a discussion and dialogue between the operational management, group companies and other trustees, chairman of the audit board Leila Lindell says.
Not bundled
- The purpose of the evaluation report is to help find routes along which the city of Äänekoski can be renewed safely. We don't bundle up, but look boldly into the future together as a team and lead with information. We want to encourage that knowledge management is put to good use both on the operational and strategic side, says Leila Lindell.
The evaluation report was now made through a common value base, i.e. the city strategy. Goals and metrics have been set for the strategy. The board also asked the group companies written questions about how they see the values realized, where they have succeeded and where they need to improve.
- In order for this "orientation" to be successful, the council needs a base map, i.e. common values. The creation of the Pohjakarta requires a common will from the political and operational management. Everyone was extremely focused on things.
Goals bring rats
In its report, the audit committee highlights positive findings, issues to be developed, and possible risks.
- There have been many successes and things where the city has done well. We are part of the Ministry of Finance's open administration working group and we received e.g. Early childhood education board of the year, environmental inspector of the year and entrepreneurship education of the year awards. The previous evaluation report was also awarded, Lindell lists.
- As a new matter, we now included the youth council more strongly in the activities of the inspection board. The fresh views of young people delight and bring new energy.
As one development proposal, the inspection board proposes that the youth council be utilized more.
- According to the inspection board, what needs to be improved is the communication, transparency and common goals between the city, the corporate group and the council. The metrics of the strategy must be very clear and the annual goals must also be realistic. Goals bring rats, and metrics should truly guide operations, says Lindell.
The biggest risk in the evaluation report is financial management and how the municipal organization changes flexibly to today's needs. Foundations' guarantees are also seen as a risk and, according to the audit committee, group supervision should be extended to them as well.
- The risk is generally global world development. Our state contributions will drop, so it would be important that tax revenues do not decrease. According to the Audit Board, it is necessary to continue the measures to balance the economy, says Lindell.
Bullying at school has also been seen as a problem, and it was also brought up by the youth council.
For more information:
Chairman of the Äänekoski inspection board
Leila Lindell
040 356 5899
leila.lindell@aanekoski.fi
News published, modified 11.6.2024 at 10:34