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Malden council narrowly votes to request state compliance audit for city departments and BPW
Summary
The Malden City Council voted 5–3 on Nov. 17 to request a full state compliance audit of the city, the Board of Public Works and the airport after councilor Dierks raised concerns; the State Auditor offered three review options, including a preliminary look at bank statements.
The Malden City Council voted 5–3 on Nov. 17 to request a full state compliance audit of the City of Malden, the Board of Public Works and the city airport after Council Member Dierks called for an outside review.
Dierks moved for the audit and Council Member Downs seconded the motion; the poll vote recorded five yes votes and three no votes. Mayor Denton Kooyman told the council the State Auditor had outlined three possible paths: a council resolution request, a preliminary review of six months of bank statements and credit‑card records, or a full audit triggered if the auditor identifies evidence warranting one.
Kooyman said staff has already contacted the bank to gather six months of statements for the auditor’s preliminary review. Council discussion focused on what the auditor would need to initiate a full compliance audit and on costs and timing; the mayor and staff said the initial document review would be free and that a formal audit is not automatic upon request.
City Attorney Jonce Chidister later outlined procedural steps for any formal removal of officials tied to separate BPW concerns, saying removal would require specific cause, an impeachment trial, and applicable voting thresholds.
The council did not set a date for any further steps; the auditor’s office will determine whether it will proceed based on the materials provided.
