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City auditor flags purchasing and vehicle controls; termination motion for city manager fails
Summary
A city audit found P-card, vehicle and food-purchasing control gaps in multiple departments and prompted heated testimony and a failed motion to give the city manager a 30‑day for‑cause termination notice; commissioners approved follow-up reviews and asked staff for itemized backup.
The Daytona Beach City Commission heard a detailed audit on April 1 that identified gaps in purchasing-card controls, mileage tracking for take‑home vehicles, and documentation for food and other department purchases, prompting days‑long debate and a failed motion to issue a 30‑day for‑cause termination notice to the city manager.
The auditor, who identified himself as Balacho, told the commission that his office found inadequate mileage tracking for many take‑home vehicles and inconsistently documented purchase‑card (P‑card) transactions across departments. “Without proper mileage logs it will be difficult to determine which portion is taxable personal use,” Balacho said, urging adoption of clearer policies and mileage substantiation.
The audit also flagged vehicle-identification and plate issues. Balacho showed that some city vehicles lacked distinct government plates or visible logos, which prompted commissioners to ask for a staff review with the tax collector and fleet to confirm exemptions for law enforcement vehicles.
A major focus was the fire department. Balacho said the audit found roughly $50,000 in food and beverage purchases over five years that were charged to department P‑cards without a dedicated budget line or consistent written justification. He described multiple instances of missing or poorly described receipts and recommended budget line items, per‑person caps and segregation of duties for P‑card purchases. “When you use government money for food you need documented purpose, approval and a cap,” he said.
The presentation prompted strong responses. Fire department leaders and unions defended rank‑and‑file personnel and called the audit’s presentation distressing for firefighters who respond to emergencies daily. Deputy city manager and fire chief Drew Driscoll said operational staff generally do not make procurement decisions and described steps already under way to address audit recommendations.
Discussion of the audit escalated into a political confrontation. Commissioner Strickland moved for a 30‑day for‑cause termination notice for the city manager, citing the audit’s findings and perceived managerial lapses. The motion was seconded and discussed at length; legal counsel advised commissioners to review the employment contract and evaluation process before pursuing for‑cause action. In a roll‑call vote the motion failed (two in favor, five opposed).
Several commissioners said they will press for fuller follow‑up: itemized backup for questioned P‑card charges, lists of take‑home vehicle assignments and mileage, and departmental reviews that respond to each audit finding. City staff said they will compile and return with the requested documentation and that some policy updates and corrective actions already are being implemented.
Where the matter stands: the commission did not impose personnel action. Commissioners asked the manager and finance staff for detailed reconciliations and directed the auditor and city administration to continue collaborative follow‑up so the commission can see clarifying documentation and proposed policy changes before taking further steps.
