Concerns over the misuse of fire assessment funds prompted the City of West Palm Beach to enlist the help of the Inspector General's office, as discussed in a recent commission work session. Mayor Keith James addressed the issue head-on, clarifying that rumors of financial mismanagement arose during union negotiations, which he suggested may have been a tactic to undermine the administration's credibility.

The decision to involve the Inspector General was made to ensure transparency and restore public trust following media reports alleging potential fraud and abuse. Mayor James emphasized the importance of being proactive, stating, "We wanted to be the first to know if that were or were not the case." He expressed satisfaction with the report received from the Inspector General, noting that it identified areas for improvement within the city's financial practices.

Commissioner Lambert echoed the mayor's sentiments, highlighting the significance of trust and integrity in public service. She thanked the administration for taking steps to address the concerns and expressed eagerness to see the implementation of the Inspector General's recommendations.

The session underscored the administration's commitment to accountability and the ongoing efforts to enhance the management of public funds, aiming to bolster community confidence in the city's financial operations.