07/17/2025 - JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.
A St. Louis area
community that has been the target of intense scrutiny from its residents and
the media is now the subject of an audit announced today by Missouri State
Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. The thorough review of the City of Pine Lawn, which
was requested by the city's Board of Aldermen, officially commenced at a meeting
with city officials on July 16.
"I want to thank
city officials for inviting us in to take a closer look at not just the city's
finances, but also the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. I know
taxpayers in Pine Lawn have been less than thrilled with how the city has been
managed in recent years, and we plan to give them a better understanding of how
and why their municipality seems to struggle with fundamental concepts such as
transparency and accountability," said Auditor Fitzpatrick.
The Pine Lawn Board of Aldermen previously adopted a resolution
authorizing the audit. The resolution notes that an audit is an "essential element to sound financial practices and ensuring
transparency and accountability in city government." In recent months the
city has faced criticism from its residents who organized a protest regarding
the city's lack of development and issues with abandoned property, among other
problems.
Individuals may provide confidential information for consideration
during the audit of Pine Lawn to the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline by
dialing 800-347-8597, or by emailing moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or by
visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.
