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Residents demand forensic audit and outside interim administrator as county leaders face questions
Summary
Multiple residents at the Charles City County Board meeting urged a forensic audit of county finances and asked the board to appoint an external interim administrator, citing auditor-reported material weaknesses and large recent borrowing.
A string of public commenters at the Charles City County Board of Supervisors meeting urged the board to authorize a forensic audit of county finances and to appoint an outside interim county administrator to restore public confidence.
Robert Tyler, who said he represented a group of citizens, told the supervisors the public had "lost faith in this administration" and asked the board to hire an outsider from the Virginia Association of Counties (the Berkeley Group) to provide an independent review. Linda Cook and several other residents echoed that call and argued that a forensic audit would answer questions about recent borrowing and unexplained expenditures.
Residents cited a recent $5,200,000 loan and, in some remarks, alleged larger unexplained shortfalls in county finances. Speakers also pointed to audit language that cited a "material weakness" in internal controls extending as far back as five years in the available audits. Several residents asked the board to suspend deal-making until financial oversight and clearer processes are in place.
County Administrator Michelle Johnson publicly responded: she said she welcomed a forensic audit and announced she will take a medical leave to receive treatment after a recent breast-cancer diagnosis. "I welcome a forensic audit because for 21 years I have sacrificed and I have never stolen anything from this community," she said, asking the community for support as she undergoes treatment.
Supervisor Ryan Patterson repeatedly asked for more time and information before key votes affecting his district; he moved to defer the conveyance of county property to C5 LLC until he could review materials and represent constituents. That motion to defer failed after a substitute motion to approve carried.
What this means: Several residents and at least one supervisor say they will continue to press for a forensic audit and for clearer, district-level notice on major land deals. The county has not announced the scope or funding source for a forensic audit; previous speakers suggested using recent loan proceeds if the board authorizes such an engagement.
