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Forest Park URA reviews bank-security measures after attempted account access; signer authority questioned
Summary
URA staff reported repeated attempts to access city accounts and outlined bank protections and changes; a $98,000 withdrawal tied to MK Housing TNC raised questions because the mayor's name appears on URA checks despite the URA chair being the proper signer.
URA staff reported multiple attempts by unknown actors to access city and URA bank accounts and described steps taken with the primary bank to harden account security.
Staff said the agency has implemented ACH blocks, positive-pay protections and other account controls and is discussing wire controls that require live confirmation. The account-establishment work for a specific account is in progress, and staff said they are evaluating additional security levels and associated costs with the bank.
Staff recommended a more selective public disclosure of financial details going forward, saying routine meeting packet materials should be redacted to avoid exposing information that could help attackers. Staff also said printed copies given to board members should be redacted.
The board reviewed current account signatory practice. A $98,000 transaction labeled “MK Housing TNC” was mentioned in the financial report; staff said that withdrawal bore signatures including Mayor Butler and appears to have been processed through the regular accounts-payable process. Some board members said the mayor does not have authority to sign URA checks and stated that the chair of the URA — not the mayor — should be the URA account signer, with the vice chair as backup. Staff said they would investigate whether the signature rounds are correct and would work with finance and counsel to clean up processes.
Staff identified people currently authorized for wire approvals and said they will meet to tighten controls and to review whether any vendor payments were withdrawn from incorrect accounts. Staff also said they would pull respective purchase orders and contracts related to the MK Housing reference and report back.
No formal vote was recorded on changes to signatory authority at the meeting; staff said they will return with findings and planned next steps.
