Mayor Hal Wing, in a somewhat unusual but not surprising move, has called for an independent financial audit of the entire city.
During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Wing announced that he wanted the audit done to know where the city stands as he begins his administration. Wing, who was sworn into office Jan. 5, said he simply wants to know the state of the city's finances so that he can be accountable when his term ends."I want every department that has a budget, every department that receives money, to have a full outside audit," he said. "I'm not saying (the city's budget) is crooked. It could be 100 percent correct, and that's what I hope comes back."
But, "there might be a little bit of negligence," he said.
However, Wing made it clear that he is not accusing anyone of wrongdoing.
Cities are required to undergo financial audits annually. But Wing's plan is to have an audit conducted independent of the one done yearly by certified public accountant J. Niel Strong. Wing said a mayor's discretionary fund will cover the expense of at least starting the audit. He planned to meet with several auditors beginning Wednesday to select one.
Recent audits by Strong have identified discrepancies between the amount of money received by the city's utility department and what shows up on the general ledger. Strong also recommended that the city consider revising job descriptions or hiring a full-time administrator to help balance the city's books.
Also, some residents have raised concerns recently about the city's number of bonds and where payment for those bonds comes from. Wing said he consulted with City Attorney Harold Mitchell about whether he had authority to call for an audit without the City Council's approval. Although the council did not vote on the matter, there appears to be little opposition to Wing's plan.
"I do support the mayor's call for an audit," said Councilman Ralph Hitchcock. "It's good, sound political or business practice."
Hitchcock said the council will discuss at a future meeting the amount and source of funds for the audit. So far, Hitchcock said, the council has not earmarked any funds for the audit.
The city's building inspectors were put on paid administrative leave last month following the announcement of pending disciplinary action and a criminal investigation from the Utah County Attorney's Office.