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Palatka commissioners recess after audio problems interrupt start of annual audit presentation
Summary
The Palatka City Commission recessed for five minutes after audio issues disrupted the auditor’s presentation of the fiscal year 2025 annual financial report; Finance Director Chantel Pierre introduced the audit and auditor Roderick Harvey began before technical troubles paused the meeting.
The Palatka City Commission recessed for five minutes after audio problems interrupted the start of the annual financial audit presentation, Mayor Currier said during a regular meeting.
Chantel Pierre, the city’s finance director, introduced the audit for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2025, and welcomed Roderick Harvey, CPA, CVA, partner at HCT CPA LLC, to present the firm’s audited financial statements. "Tonight, we take an important step in maintaining the trust of our residents by providing a clear, independent look at our city's financial standing," Pierre said.
Harvey opened his remarks and said he would review the audited financial statements for the year, but participants quickly reported difficulty hearing him. "Can you hear me now? Okay, thank you," Harvey said as staff and commissioners attempted multiple mic and volume checks. Hearing problems persisted despite repeated testing and attempts to troubleshoot the virtual connection.
After several minutes of testing, the mayor directed staff to reboot the audio/virtual system. Commissioners agreed to recess the meeting for five minutes while the system was restarted, pausing the auditor’s presentation and any follow-up questions.
The meeting had opened with an invocation led by Commissioner Davis and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Borum; roll call recorded Commissioners Morgan, Jones, Davis, Campbell and Mayor Currier as present. The mayor briefly opened public comment and, seeing no speakers, closed that portion of the meeting before regular business began.
Pierre told commissioners HCT CPA LLC has conducted Palatka’s annual audit since 2020 and that both the auditor and city management would be available to answer questions after the presentation. The audit was introduced on the record as being on the eve of a June 30 due date, according to Miss Kerr’s remarks.
The meeting recessed to allow technical staff to reboot the system; the mayor said the presentation would resume after the short break if the audio issue was resolved.
