Time for a checkup?

In terms of 🚗 car care, we generally think of 3,000 or 5,000 miles (somewhere in that range) for an oil change. Perhaps 40,000 to 70,000 miles and we are contemplating brakes or tires or maybe at 50,000 we schedule for a multi-point inspection. (Note: When I had my 1987 Jeep Grand Wagoneer a while back (aka Woody, aka "large carbon footprint") perhaps the inspections and look-sees were a little more, ahem, frequent.)

We have pre-determined intervals for checking, scoping, and assessing an asset that is in our possession, so as to keep it in tip-top shape and, presumably, discover issues or problems early on and fix in a timely manner. 

Referring to the local government equivalent, as a 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤, this is an often overlooked assessment tool. Pick a department and do a top of bottom policy and compliance check for systems use and adherence. As an example: Outside of the audit, the financial department is a good candidate for a scope.  For finance, I would look at policies, updates, communication practices, "desk audits" of staff work roles/responsibilities, reporting timeframes, bond schedules, debt-refinancing opportunities, the CIP format, regulatory filings, GFOA best practice document comparisons, cash-flowing forecasting, investment strategies, and so forth. 

If you end up substantiating everything and not needing any updates or changes, that’s fine. It will still be a good exercise as a double-check and a verification process.