The Public Account is the most important document a municipality files with OSFAE. Its correct preparation is not only a legal obligation — it is the instrument that demonstrates honest and efficient use of public resources.
What is the Municipal Public Account?
It is the annual report that consolidates all income received, expenditures made, the financial position, and progress on programmed targets during the fiscal year. In SLP, municipalities must file it with OSFAE within the first 60 days of the following year.
Who is responsible for preparing it?
Responsibility falls directly on the mayor and the municipal trustee (síndico), although technical preparation belongs to the Treasury. The trustee, as internal auditor of municipal finances, must validate that the information is consistent and accurate before filing.
- Mayor: legally responsible for the accuracy of the information
- Municipal trustee (síndico): internal auditor, must issue a prior opinion
- Treasurer: prepares the financial statements and the income/expenditure report
Minimum required content
The Public Account must include:
- Financial position statement as of December 31
- Statement of activities (income and expenditure for the year)
- List of completed works with their technical files
- Progress report on Municipal Development Plan targets
- Bank reconciliation of all public accounts
- List of federal transfers received (FISM, FORTAMUN, etc.)
Consequences of non-compliance
Failing to file the Public Account on time triggers an ex-officio audit procedure by OSFAE. Consequences may include:
- Financial penalties for responsible officials
- Request to address findings within 20 business days
- Formal irregularity reports with financial charges
- Disqualification from holding public office
- Complaint to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor in serious cases
Most common errors and how to avoid them
The errors most frequently generating findings are: missing documentary support for expenditures, works without a formal completion record, income not recorded in real time, and discrepancies between accounting and banking records. The solution is to implement monthly controls — not wait until year-end.