“A forensic audit would be a significant cost to the city,” explains Place 4 Councilman Landis Bayless. “I am willing to spend the money to have the audit IF I am given valid, probable cause; but at this point, I haven’t been given one. I need something more than ‘just because’ to warrant frivolous spending of the tax payers’ money.”
At the February 20, 2018 special called workshop and meeting of Fairfield City Council, the major topic of discussion was whether the city should have a forensic audit.
A Forensic Audit is looking for asset-theft fraud, whereas an Annual Financial Audit is looking for financial statement fraud.
The idea of a forensic audit has been thrown around for a while now, but it was finally put on an agenda.
Prior to placing a vote, the city’s lawyer Linda Sjogren with Bojorquez Law Firm, who was in attendance, explains that though it is not necessary to go out for bids in this situation, it would be good practice to do so. She also states that it was not about money in this case, but more about credentials.
Current annual audits, performed by Frank Steele with Anderson Marx & Bohl PC of Corsicana, run the city $18,000 per year.
It is estimated that a forensic audit would cost the city between $18,000 and $30,000 per year that is reviewed.
Councilmen expressed mixed feelings about having a forensic audit performed.
Joe Lee Kirgan, Jr., Place 1 Councilman (and Mayor Pro-Tem) is against having a forensic audit.
He explains, “A forensic audit would be a total waste of time and money. If I knew what they were looking for, I might agree to it, but I don’t see evidence of any wrongdoing. At this point, we should be trying to save city money, not blowing it on unnecessary things.”
Place 2 Councilman Randy Johnson is for the audit, saying, “There are issues at all the different levels at the city. We need an outsider to put their eyes on it, find out where the problems are so we can address and fix them, and then move forward.”
“It seems as if there has been no accountability; and if in the process of this audit, we find someone has been doing something improper, that will be addressed as well,” Councilman Johnson continues. “We owe it to the people of this city to find out what’s been going on. We can’t be successful until we know what the problems are and strive to fix the situation.”
Place 3 Councilman Keith Daniels says, “I’m all for it! It would be good to know where we are as a city. Citizens want the audit and we are elected to be the voice of the citizens.”
“I’ve looked at the books personally, as well as corresponding with the audit firm that performs our annual audits, and neither of us has seen anything that raises red flags at this point,” Councilman Bayless continues. “A lot of people voted for me, but only a few have come to me requesting this audit. If a citizen has a valid reason, please come see me. I would love to speak with them.”
Place 5 Councilman (and Mayoral Candidate) Kenneth Hughes is for the audit. He says, “I believe in an open and honest city government. A forensic audit is far past due.”
Results of a credentials check is expected to be complete by the next council meeting, scheduled for March 13th; and councilmen should vote on the issue at one of the two March council meetings.
Citizens are welcomed and encouraged to attend council meetings, which are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Fairfield City Hall.
