A. In addition to the powers granted to it by the code, the committee on finance shall have the power to investigate the operation, effect, administration and enforcement of any city tax ordinance or revenue measure by the department or by any executive department, establishment or agency charged with the administration of taxes or revenue measures.
B. The committee on finance shall from time to time make available the findings, conclusions and results of any review or investigation for public examination and analysis.
C. Not more than twice a year, the committee on finance may hire a certified public accounting firm, which is a member in good standing of the Illinois Certified Public Accountants Society, to conduct an investigation of the operations of the department for the purposes set forth in subsection A of this section. The certified public accounting firm shall report its findings to the committee on finance. The certified public accounting firm, its employees, partners, and agents shall have access to all documents, including tax returns, that the certified public accounting firm deems necessary to conduct its investigation. Supplying such documentation to the certified public accounting firm shall be considered an official purpose under Section 3-4-080 of this chapter. The certified public accounting firm, its employees, partners, and agents shall be bound by the requirements of Section 3-4-080 of this chapter and shall not release or divulge any individual taxpayer information to any other person, except as provided in Section 3-4-080 of this chapter; provided, however, that, as a result of the investigation by the certified public accounting firm and after review with the comptroller, the comptroller shall provide the chief administrative officer of the committee on finance with individual taxpayer information when any question arises regarding the equitable administration and enforcement of the city's tax ordinances or revenue measures. Any violation of Section 3-4-080 of this chapter shall subject the violator to the punishments prescribed in that section.
D. Members of the committee on finance and their agents and employees shall be subject to the disclosure requirements set forth in Section 3-4-080 of this chapter, except as modified by subsection C of this section.
(Added Coun. J. 11-14-91, p. 7458; Amend Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. I, § 3)