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Every ordinance or resolution upon its final passage shall be recorded in a book kept for that purpose, and shall be authenticated by the signature of the presiding officer and Clerk of the Council. Within ten days after its final passage, every ordinance of a general nature shall be published at least once in full in the City Journal. Other ordinances and resolutions shall be published in the City Journal in full or in condensed form, as the Council may direct. There shall be no other publication at the expense of the City.
The Council, or any committee thereof duly authorized by Council to do so, may investigate the financial transactions of any office or department of the City government, and the official acts and conduct of any City official, and by similar investigations may secure information upon any matter within its competence as a legislative body. In conducting such investigations the Council, or any committee thereof, may compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers and other evidence, and for that purpose may issue subpoenas or attachments which shall be signed by the presiding officer of the Council or the chair of such committee, as the case may be, and may be served or executed by an officer authorized by law to serve subpoenas and other process.
(Amended by electors 11-7-00)
If any witness shall refuse to testify to any facts within his or her knowledge, or to produce any papers or books in his or her possession, or under his or her control, relating to the matter under inquiry, before the Council, or any such committee, the Council shall have the power to cause the witness to be punished as for contempt. No witness shall be excused from testifying touching his or her knowledge of the matter under investigation in any such inquiry, but such testimony shall not be used against the witness in any criminal prosecution except for perjury committed upon such inquiry.
(Amended by electors 11-7-00)
The Council may at any time, or at stated times, cause an audit to be made of the books of account, records and transactions of any of the administrative departments of the City. Such audit shall be made by a practicing certified public accountant, who, for three years next preceding his or her employment, has held either a certificate issued pursuant to statute, or one issued by authority of a state whose laws require a standard of professional attainment equal to that of Ohio. The duties of the auditor so appointed shall be defined and fully set forth in the ordinance providing for such audit or audits. The reports of such auditor shall be printed and a copy thereof furnished to the Ohio State Bureau of Inspection and Supervision of Public Offices, to the Mayor, to each member of the Council, and to each citizen who may apply therefor; and a condensed summary thereof shall be published in the City Journal.
(Amended by electors 11-7-00)