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Council member urges city to explore forensic audit after accounting concerns
Summary
A council member suggested staff research the cost of a forensic audit to answer lingering questions about past financial activity; staff said they will verify purchase records and the city’s accounting history with the state auditor.
A council member asked the city to look into the cost of a forensic audit, saying there are “a lot of unanswered questions” and that accountability might be necessary if financial irregularities are uncovered. The council member emphasized that cost should not be the sole determinant for pursuing a forensic audit if significant concerns exist.
City staff responded that the state auditor’s office had been asked to unlock prior years’ records so corrections can be made in the proper fiscal years and that the city must refile corrected reports before a state audit visit can occur. Staff said they would verify details and follow up on the suggestion to explore a forensic audit. No formal motion to commission a forensic audit was made at the meeting.
The exchange highlighted council concerns about historical accounting and the difference between a routine state audit and a deeper forensic audit; council members asked staff to investigate options and likely costs.
