West Covina council asks staff for report on state controller audit after sustained public calls for review

The West Covina City Council on Tuesday directed city staff to prepare a report on the process and cost of a potential audit by the California State Controller’s Office, following a string of public comments urging a forensic review of city finances and redevelopment actions. The motion, moved by Councilmember Mike Spence and seconded by Councilmember James Toma, passed in a roll-call vote with all members voting aye.

Councilmember Mike Spence opened the item by asking staff to return with details on what an audit by the state controller would involve and how much it would cost. "I would like to go ahead and move this item," Spence said as he offered the motion to instruct staff to prepare the report. The vote followed more than an hour of public comment, much of it calling for outside review after years of litigation and large reserve draws.

The request comes after multiple residents and community members addressed the council earlier in the meeting seeking a state-level review. Royal Brown, who identified himself as a long-time resident, urged the council to request a state audit. Resident Elsie Messman similarly said West Covina needs an audit "to be fair and know what to look for and connect the dots," and cited prior local controversies and litigation costs. Phil Marino, who said…