Residents press Charles City County supervisors for answers on $5.2M loan and repeated audit weaknesses

A string of residents at the Charles City County Board of Supervisors meeting pressed elected officials for clear answers about a $5.2 million revenue anticipation note and a pattern of audit findings dating back to 2019.

"Why did we have to borrow $5,200,000 to pay our bills?" asked resident Doreen Billingsley, who listed six questions seeking the loan’s purpose, line‑item causes of the shortfall, corrective actions to fix internal controls and plans for repaying and carrying the loan. Several other residents repeated calls for a forensic audit.

James Ellis, a 23‑year military veteran, urged an immediate forensic audit, saying it would "go a long way to building some credibility with this county and with its citizens." Brandy Moreno asked bluntly, "Where'd the money go?" and recited concerns about an 88‑acre sale and whether the county realized revenue from recent land transactions.

Interim County Administrator William Coder acknowledged the volume of public concern and scheduled a workshop and a rescheduled December meeting to allow additional discussion. The board did not adopt a motion at the meeting to order a forensic audit; members instead approved routine agenda items and asked staff to provide follow‑up information.

Several speakers also called for greater transparency: requests included quarterly financial summary reports showing budget variances, more accessible agenda links for supporting documents, and prompt written replies to public‑comment submissions. Residents asked the board to provide specific documentation about grants and land transactions.

The board has not yet produced the detailed accounting constituents requested in the meeting; several speakers said prior audits found recurring material weaknesses. Board members agreed to return these topics for discussion at a workshop and the next meeting on Dec. 19.