The recent findings of the Oklahoma State Auditor concerning Washington in McClain County has some residents asking what is going on with Watonga’s audit. The Washington audit showed large sums had been embezzled.
Because the matter is pending, the city’s attorney, Jared Harrison, could not comment on what the council has requested. However, he did say another town for which he serves as attorney filed for an audit some three years ago and although there has been correspondence and information requested, reviewed and submitted, the work has not been completed.
City council member Neal Riley is adamant the audit move forward.
“I think we might be surprised at what decisions were made (during the last administration) and what decisions were made without our knowl edge,” he said.
City Manager Leroy Alsup said some council members have spoken to him about whether the audit remains necessary.
“We have had discussions on the cost and the timing,” he said Tuesday. Timing, he said, was a factor because an audit will show issues at the time the audit covers.
“We are correcting things as we find them,” Alsup said. “So if they find things we were doing wrong two years ago and we already fixed them, what have we gained other than the cost and embarrassment?”
But he also went on to say that some council members were dead set on completing the audit and he believes that the other members would abide by their conviction.
“I don’t think city council will change anything unless it’s unanimous,” Alsup added. The city can rescind its request for an audit.
Riley said the insistence on a completed audit isn’t about the council.
“If the citizens want an audit, they deserve an audit,” Riley said. “It’s whether we rebuild trust or save money. And it’s not about the money, it’s about trust.”