Finance Department

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City Government » Departments » Finance Department

The Finance Department is responsible for most of the fiscal activities of the city. The department provides central accounting support for all other city departments. Major responsibilities include:

payroll
accounts payable.
accounts receivable
fixed asset reporting
debt financing
investment activities
financial reporting

Mason has earned the reputation of being a progressive organization. The city's Finance Department has lived up to that reputation by earning a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Mason has received this award for eight years. It is the highest recognition for government accounting and financial reporting and indicates that Mason's financial reports meet the program's high standards in accounting principles and legal requirements.

While there are no legal requirements for the preparation of this report, it represents a commitment by the City of Mason to conform to nationally recognized standards of excellence in financial reporting.

View city financial reports.

Tax Office

Included within the Finance Department is the Tax Office, which is responsible for the collection of over $20 million of earnings tax revenues. Earnings tax revenues are the city's largest source of revenues for financing the operations of the city.

The employees in the Tax Office audit all tax returns for residents and businesses, and provide assistance to callers concerning their tax issues. The tax office also collects withholding tax payments from Mason employers. About half of the full-time positions within the Finance Department are dedicated solely to the earnings Tax Office.

Click here for tax information.

Customer Service

Mason's new municipal center opened on September 23, 2002. The Customer Service Counter located in the new center has elevated the city's commitment to customer service to a new level. For customers, this "one stop shop" means they can conduct multiple city transactions at one location. Employees at the counter handle 80% of the inquiries related to the city.

A majority of those inquiries are related to building permits, fees, applications, and inspections; park programs, pool and Community Center passes, and registrations; and utility bill payments and earnings tax issues. The counter is therefore staffed by employees in the three related departments: Engineering and Building, Parks & Recreation, and Finance. The counter has become the heart of communication for the city and as such is a priority for all departments.