Historical Note
The position of City Treasurer was created in Seattle's first City
Charter in 1869. The Treasurer administered the collection, management, and
disbursement of all City monies, invested temporary surplus cash, and
administered Local Improvement District assessments. The Treasurer, like the
Comptroller, was an elected official until 1992, when a City Charter amendment
abolished the two positions and consolidated the two departments into an
executive agency, the Department of Finance.
Content Description
The Treasurer annual reports date from 1906 to 1985 and detail cash
transactions for the City. Statements of cash balances, receipts, and
disbursements are included in the reports. Most reports provide information
regarding Local Improvement Funds, tax sales, and balances of various funds;
reports may also include information on revenue sources and amounts of money
held at different banks. The 1921 report discusses the financial condition of
the City. In the 1980s, the reports are published and include text explaining
highlights of the year's activities. Photographs, charts, and graphs accompany
the narrative. The 1981 report provides some historical background information
on the Treasurer's office.