02/07/2024 - Jefferson City, MO
Missouri
State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced today that his office will launch an
audit of the City of Joplin. The audit was requested by residents of the city
who gathered more than 2,200 signatures to initiate the petition audit.
"The
audit will provide a thorough review of not only the city's finances, but also
the controls and procedures that are in place to make sure the city is managed
effectively and efficiently. This will be a good opportunity to look at the
progress the city has made since the last reports issued by the State Auditor's
Office, which found serious issues including the mismanagement of millions of
dollars of public funds," said Fitzpatrick. "The petition process
takes time and determination. When taxpayers dedicate their effort and energy
to gather thousands of signatures, we give their concerns the attention they
deserve. We will work diligently to provide a report that will give them
a better understanding of how their city government is operating."
The State
Auditor's Office last audited the City of Joplin in 2015. The previous audit
was also requested by citizens and issued the city an overall performance
rating of "poor." The report detailed the long-term mismanagement of
millions of dollars of public funds in the months and years after the 2011
tornado and the need for increased transparency and accountability. A follow-up
report issued in 2016 found that most of the 32 findings from the
original audit were either partially implemented
or in progress, with six recommendations successfully implemented.
The audit will officially commence with an entrance
meeting with city officials on Tuesday, February 20. Individuals may provide
confidential information for consideration during the audit of the City of
Joplin to the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, by email
at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.