Resident alleges pay-to-play ahead of American Structure Point contract; calls for forensic audit

During public comment Dec. 15, Robert Baumgartner accused a network of campaign donors and city contracts he said created a 'closed loop of profit' and called on the council to preserve records and order a forensic audit. Baumgartner named firms he said had donated to the mayor's campaign and alleged subsequent city contracts and campaign-related spending at donor-owned businesses.

"This donor gave the money. The city gave the contract. Campaign spends the money back at the donor's business. It's a closed loop of profit," Baumgartner said, pressing council to require a forensic audit and to preserve evidence ahead of a pending contract vote.

The allegation came before council consideration of an ordinance authorizing a contract with American Structure Point for engineering services on the Sugar Ridge Road rehabilitation project (not to exceed $370,410). Council adopted that ordinance later in the meeting with a recorded vote that showed one dissenting vote by Councilmember Swank.

Council did not take formal action on Baumgartner's request for a forensic audit during the meeting; no motion to order such an audit appears in the record. The city law director and administration noted public-record and legal search processes when Mr. Baumgartner referenced records.