City's Finances Receive High Marks from Grand Jury

The City of Redondo Beach received a high ranking for the handling of city finances following a grand jury evaluation, Mayor Steve Aspel announced Monday.

According to Aspel, Redondo Beach received a high score of 97 out of a possible 100 points from the grand jury based on the city's fiscal practices and financial management.

The Los Angles County Civil Grand Jury, which released the report, evaluated 88 incorporated cities in Los Angeles County and judged them based on 55 different criteria including fiscal transparency, use of strategic plans, balanced budgets, independent audits and conformance with financial standards.

Out of all 88 cities, Redondo Beach received the highest marks and was ranked number one in all of Los Angeles County, according to the report.

"Our Mayor and City Council have worked diligently during the past eight years to adopt fiscal policies that protect the public’s tax dollars and govern with the highest level of integrity," Aspel said in a news release.

Redondo Beach City Manager Bill Workman also lauded the city's high score from the grand jury.

"Fiscal responsibility is a core City value," he said in a statement. "This report affirms the outstanding work of our management team in professionally administering the community’s financial resources."

According to the city, the Civil Grand Jury was composed of 23 court-appointed volunteer residents of Los Angeles County who were assisted by outside experts in conducting the fiscal evaluation.