What we do


The Finance and Management Services Department provides financial management and oversight in support of all city functions while adhering to the principles of leadership, customer service, quality, integrity, and collaboration.


Goals

  1. Improve communication and cross-functional collaboration through partnerships and education.
  2. Clearly define performance expectations and motivators to attract, develop, and retain high quality staff.
  3. Instill confidence, inspire trust, and ensure transparency through accurate, purposeful financial and managerial processes and reporting.

Finance and Management Services

Tony McDowell, Finance Director

Office Phone: 828-259-5635
Email: tmcdowell@ashevillenc.gov

Becki Ogles, Assistant Finance Director

Office Phone: 828-251-4094
Email: bogles@ashevillenc.gov

Alisha Mazza, Business Services Supervisor

Office Phone:  828-259-5598
Email:  amazza@ashevillenc.gov


Strategic Services

Frank McGowan, Strategic Services Manager

Office Phone: 828-259-5811
Cell Phone: 828-777-1139
Email: fmcgowan@ashevillenc.gov

Internal Audit

Lauren Brune, Internal Audit Program Manager

Office Phone: 828-259-5937
Email: lbrune@ashevillenc.gov

Compliance

Tom Downing, Financial and Programmatic Compliance Specialist
Phone: 828-259-5588
Email: tdowning@ashevillenc.gov


Purchasing and Contracting Division

Click here to access the Purchasing and Contracting Division, Current Bid Opportunities and other related information.

Amy Patterson, Purchasing Manager 
Phone: 828-259-5953
Email: apatterson@ashevillenc.gov


Risk Management Division

Risk Management’s mission is to provide effective risk, safety and claims management services to each department and the citizens of Asheville in a timely, courteous, efficient and effective manner within organizational guidelines.

The Risk Management Division provides comprehensive administration, budgeting, financing and loss prevention control services for the City of Asheville, including all lines of insurance and Workers’ Compensation. The Division also processes claims for damages from the public and manages them to disposition and works with all departments to mitigate unsafe conditions in City facilities or in the protocols and procedures utilized to deliver services.

The City Risk Manager serves as the American with Disabilities (ADA) Coordinator regarding ADA Title II concerns. Please contact the City Risk Manager regarding ADA Title II matters.

Brad Stein, Risk Manager 
Phone: 828-259-5687
E-mail: bstein@ashevillenc.gov


Accounting Division

The Accounting Division manages the operational and reporting aspects of Finance to ensure compliance with all city, state and outside agency regulations and accounting standards. The Accounting Division also delivers support and other services to internal departments, as well as external vendors. 

Specific functions managed by the Accounting Division include: 

  • All payroll related functions
  • Mange all central accounts payable activities
  • Management of the City’s central banking account relationships
  • Maintenance of the City’s debt and investment portfolio
  • Preparation of miscellaneous billing items, including annual business license renewal
  • Manage the purchase card (P-Card) program
  • Manages the year-end audit
  • Maintenance of general ledger and sub-ledgers
  • Preparation of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
  • Other functions include capital assets, grant accounting, sales tax, and all general ledger reconciliations.

Becki Ogles, Assistant Finance Director

Office Phone: 828-251-4094
Email: bogles@ashevillenc.gov


Budget and Performance Division

Lindsay Spangler – Budget and Performance Manager
Phone: (828) 259-5592
E-mail: lspangler@ashevillenc.gov

Related Services

Business Inclusion (ABI)

The Business Inclusion Office for the City of Asheville actively seeks to identify minority and women-owned businesses for an opportunity to participate as providers of goods and services to the city.

Related Projects

2016 General Obligation (GO) Bond

Project Overview In 2016 voters approved a bond referendum to finance capital improvement projects across the city. A total of $74 million was issued for projects categorized by three focus areas:  $17 million for parks $25 million for housing $32 million for transportation  These projects help address the city’s unfunded capital needs and supplement funding for projects that are already [...]

colored circles with the city logo and the text 2024 bond referendums

2024 General Obligation (GO) Bond

A bond referendum allows voters to decide whether their local government can issue new debt to fund important projects. In Asheville, approved bond referendums in 2016 and 2024 involve general obligation bonds, which are secured by the City’s commitment to repay them through taxes or other revenue sources. Explore Related Projects

Finance and Management Services News

Building Back City Owned Assets and Infrastructure

Restoring City-owned infrastructure through the FEMA Public Assistance Program

The City of Asheville experienced an estimated $1 billion in damage to City-owned property and assets due to Helene. This includes extensive damage to City-owned parks, streets, buildings, utilities, and other vital assets and infrastructure. Rebuilding will be a massive undertaking, and this is not something the City can fund on its own. Federal and [...]

2024 Infrastructure Milestones

Investing in Community Infrastructure: 2024 Progress & 2025 Outlook

While 2024 brought an unimaginably difficult ending (looking at you, Helene), still much was accomplished. From accessible sidewalks to public restrooms to playgrounds, the City of Asheville continues to invest in the quality of life for our community. Read on to find out about infrastructure improvements made throughout the city in 2024 and what’s in [...]

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