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Ventura, Calif. – The Ventura City Council unanimously voted to hire an independent auditing firm to conduct a citywide audit of meal and travel expenses at its meeting on September 26, 2022. The audit will include a sampling of credit card and expense statements for the last three years.
“Public trust and fiscal responsibility are crucial to effective government and the goals of this audit. Policies are created to ensure that the use of public funds is transparent and appropriate,” said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “This audit is a citywide review of how we are doing at following safeguards, policies, and procedures.”
As directed by the City Council, the City’s Finance, Audit, and Budget (FAB) Committee will work with the City Manager to retain an objective outside consultant to conduct the audit and conduct a review of Ventura’s policies and practices. The Council requested that options and recommendations from FAB be returned to the City Council within 60 days at a special public meeting.
The audit will evaluate compliance with the City’s administrative policies and procedures and generally accepted accounting principles to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws. Expenses claimed by City Councilmembers will also be included in the audit.
"Hearing concerns from the public and Council’s discussion on Monday night highlighted for me the need to take a closer look at my decisions regarding travel and credit card purchases as well as the Executive Team. It is my responsibility to lead by example and while I believe I am within policy as City Manager, it is my duty to set a higher standard and I take that seriously," said City Manager Alex D. McIntyre.
McIntyre also stated, “I want to demonstrate to the public, City Council, and staff a renewed commitment to operating with moderation in mind when conducting official City business. I embrace the Council’s direction on the audit and support a citywide examination of policies and procedures as well as additional compliance measures to protect public funds."
In addition to the audit, City staff will return to Council with a separate management report related to the renovation of City facilities for the last three years.
For more information about City Council meetings or agenda reports, visit the City’s website at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/AgendaCenter.
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