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For a woman who spends most of her working hours crunching numbers, Ann-Marie Hogan doesn’t have to spend much time handicapping her election prospects. 

With no competition, the two-term city auditor is virtually guaranteed to continue reviewing city finances after Nov. 5. 

While getting into the nitty gritty of city fiscal matters may not excite most Berkeley residents, Hogan says it’s her calling. 

“It’s really fascinating to live in a city for 34 years and then find out how the city works behind the scenes,” she said. 

Hogan, an accountant who graduated from UC Berkeley in 1982, along with a staff of 15, review city programs and departments to make sure that they run cost-effectively and that the city does not lose money it might be owed. 

Some of her findings have led to unexpected windfalls. 

Hogan estimates that her audits of city businesses and whether they’ve properly paid their dues to the city has thus far uncovered $1.9 million in previously unreported revenue for Berkeley. 

All people doing business in Berkeley are required to apply for a business license and pay a portion of revenue to the city, but between 10 and 12 percent of city contractors underreport their revenue, she said. 

“It’s surprising how much less they report to us,” she said. 

Business owners aren’t the only people Hogan has caught skimping. 

She also noted a recent audit found between 26 and 31 percent of city landlords fail to apply for a city business license even though all landlords who rent more than three units are required to do so. 

Hogan said her independence is the key to effectively getting at the core of city operations. 

Because city auditor is an elected position, Hogan is not beholden to either City Council or the city manager. She has ultimate authority over what departments and programs are audited but has decided to form a five-person commission with two council members to determine future studies. 

Hogan, though, has no power to enforce any of her findings and must ask council and the city manager to follow through on her recommendations. 

In addition to tightening up business licenses, Hogan said she has won city support to help city departments run more efficiently. 

A police staffing audit performed this year investigated ways to free up more uniformed officers to patrol city streets. 

Hogan said she researched other police departments and recommended that several police department desk jobs, including budget and technology assignments go to civilians instead of high-priced lieutenants. 

“The cost savings are enormous, when you factor in benefits and salaries for any police position that you can replace with a civilian,” she said. 

Without a competitor or a central campaign issue, Hogan is making outreach her number one goal. “I want to reach out to young people and show them that this is really interesting.” 

Contact reporter at matt@berkeleydailyplanet.net