Councilors Trammell and Brown seek city audit to address financial reporting concerns

During the recent City Council meeting in Pryor Creek, significant discussions centered around the need for a comprehensive audit of the city's financial practices. Councilors Trammell and Brown were authorized to research options for conducting this audit, following concerns raised about the accuracy of financial reporting and internal controls over the past several years.

The council learned that the state auditor's office is currently unable to begin new audits for at least 12 months. This delay raises questions about the city's financial oversight, as it appears that no audits have been submitted since the fiscal year 2022. The council emphasized the urgency of getting current on these submissions to avoid further complications.

Mr. Dodson from the state auditor's office provided insights into the situation, indicating that the city should prioritize submitting its annual audits and budget estimates. He also shared a list of audit firms that could potentially conduct a forensic audit if necessary. However, the estimated costs for such an audit could range from $50,000 to $75,000, with a timeline that could extend up to two years for completion.

The council is now faced with a critical decision: whether to wait for the state auditor's office or to seek bids from private firms for a more immediate audit. The discussions highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in city finances, as council members expressed their commitment to addressing these issues promptly.

As the council moves forward, the next steps will involve confirming the status of past audit submissions and determining the best course of action to ensure the city's financial integrity is restored. This proactive approach aims to reassure residents that their city's financial health is being taken seriously and that necessary measures will be implemented to prevent future discrepancies.