The 1805 act of incorporation of New Orleans provided for the office of Treasurer. That individual was to be a "fit and discreet freeholder of the said city," who was to be appointed annually by the Conseil de Ville. He was to "receive and pay all moneys belonging to the said corporation, to keep regular accounts of their real and personal property, to collect the rents, dues and demands belonging thereto, one in every year, at such time as shall be directed by the said Mayor and city Council; to publish an account of the receipts and expenditures of the said treasury... ."

On January 12, 1830, the Council passed an ordinance creating the office of Comptroller to serve in addition to the Treasurer. That law also redefined the duties and responsibilities of the Treasurer, including the requirement that he make weekly reports to the Council of the receipts and expenditures made by his office.