York City shouldn't have to scramble again to find a new city treasurer, as it did a few months ago when the man elected to the post could not secure a required bond.

A bill, approved by the city council Tuesday, would require those elected treasurer or controller to present proof of bonding at least 30 days before they are supposed to take office.

State law requires both the city treasurer and the city controller to be bonded, guaranteeing the city will not lose money if the officials misappropriate public funds.

Treasurer-elect Matthew Mann resigned after the November election because he was unable to get the required
bond for $12 million. The council chose deputy treasurer Karin Krebs to fill the position.

Requiring proof of bonding should help keep those without bonds out of the treasurer's office, said councilman Cameron Texter, who drafted the proposal. He said Erie put a similar requirement in place after the city allowed a treasurer to serve for several months without a bond.

Texter had originally wanted to require proof of bonding prior to the election, but assistant solicitor Shaleeta Washington said the city does not have the authority to create such a requirement.

Though Texter's revised proposal does not require proof of bonding until after the election, he urged voters to make sure future candidates are eligible to take office.

The bill also specifies that the council will appoint a new treasurer or controller just as it would if the

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position were vacant under other circumstances, as the council did when it appointed Krebs earlier this year. Texter said having the requirements in writing could provide future guidance in a confusing situation.

The council approved the bill in a 4-1 vote, with Vice President Carol Hill-Evans opposing. After the meeting, Hill-Evans said she does not think it is the council's role to require city candidates to prove their qualifications.

--Reach Daina Klima nis at 505-5439 or dklima nis@yorkdispatch.com.