Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg (ICA) Transmits Annual Report 2021
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeffrey Stonehill, Authority Manager
Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg
(717) 645-5431
hbgica@gmail.com
www.hbgica.org
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg (ICA) today transmitted its second annual report to Governor Tom Wolf and the General Assembly on the fiscal progress for the City of Harrisburg over this past year. The ICA, an independent state agency created under Act 124 of 2018, is responsible for advising the City on matters of finance and management with the intent of resolving fiscal problems, eliminating deficits and regaining access to capital markets.
In the report, the ICA finds that the City’s current financial condition is sound and includes surplus funds generated in part through the Harrisburg Strong Plan developed by the City Receiver while it was classified as a distressed municipality under the Commonwealth’s Act 47. “The City received a major lifeline this year with the extension of the temporary taxing authority by the Governor and the General Assembly,” said Audry Carter, ICA Chair. “We are committed to our work with the City to develop business practices that continue to sustain the confidence of the Governor and the General Assembly.”
The report acknowledges a number of areas where progress has been made, while also identifying several priorities for improvement in fiscal management. Chief among these are addressing a series of audit findings of material weaknesses in accounting and reporting, developing a comprehensive capital budget and plan, and exploring cooperative services agreements with adjacent municipalities.
The ICA also recommends to the City additional themes centering on strong planning for community and economic development and fostering operational excellence.
The ICA finds a forward-looking community and economic development plan and program to be a key need if the City is to achieve sustainable and long-term fiscal stability.
The call for city-wide commitment to operational excellence includes development and implementation of a strong system of program measures, diligence in compliance management of state and federal funding, and developing a workplace culture that no longer expects and accepts errors. It also includes updating an outdated technology infrastructure, a project currently underway.
Carter assures the City of Harrisburg that the board members of the ICA remain committed to bringing their diverse backgrounds and experience to help the City promote growth and sustainability. “Working together, we know that the possibility of prosperity lies ahead.”
The full report can be found at the ICA website, www.hbgica.org or by clicking on this direct link:
https://www.hbgica.org/download/672/
About the ICA:
The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg (ICA) is a public authority and instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The ICA was created for the general purpose of fostering the fiscal integrity of the City of Harrisburg, pursuant to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authorities Act for Cities of the Third Class (Act of October 24, 2018, P.L. 751, No. 124).
The Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority for Harrisburg (ICA) was created by an act of the General Assembly. The Authority, composed of members experienced in finance and management, advises the City of Harrisburg, the General Assembly, and the Governor concerning solutions to fiscal problems the City of Harrisburg may face.
The powers and duties of the Authority are exercised by a governing board, composed of five appointed members. The current four members are residents of the city and/or have their primary place of business or employment in the city. In addition, there are two ex officio, non-voting members of the board representing the City and the Secretary of the Budget.
The governing board of the ICA retains an Authority Manager and Independent General Counsel to assist them in their mission.
If you have any questions about the ICA, please contact Authority Manager Jeffrey Stonehill at hbgica@gmail.com.