AUDIT !!! The most frightening word in the Augusta political arena.
The word alone makes some past, as well as some present, elected officials, along with their cohorts, cringe like when one hears fingernails raking across a chalkboard.
Opinion
Why? Could it be that some names would come into the public eye again?
This is not saying everyone who has been or is now working within this political arena should be worried if a forensic audit is done. Augusta does have many good, dedicated people working for the betterment of the city.
However, sadly, many others are working directly in contrast and for their own personal agendas. Augusta taxpayers should demand a forensic audit. It would, indeed, clear the air and answer many questions in dire need of answers.
In the past, whenever an audit was called for, I, as a commissioner, along with Commissioner Catherine McKnight, supported those calls. There was no support for any type of audit among the other commissioners at the time.
The usual push back and same reasons not to do an audit always remained the same:
“No reason for a forensic audit.”
“An audit is done every year.”
“There has been no instance of any wrongdoing.”
“Forensic audit would cost millions of dollars.”
“Forensic audit would shut the government down while being conducted.”
“Would take at least a year to perform a forensic audit.”
Now, let’s discuss these roadblocks as best we can. Yes, an audit is done every year as it is in every city. It is an audit that does not dig too deep.
The yearly audit only balances figures and statements as presented. These types of audit results are for bond and credit ratings. So far, Augusta has ranked high on this type of audit.
Several talks with accountants and varying research seem to state that the cost for a forensic audit varies in the hourly rate charged from $300 to $750 an hour and that all depends on the size and scope of the audit. It could take 40 hours to 100 hours on average. A forensic audit would not shut down the city operations while being conducted.
When the commissioners who oppose a forensic audit state there are no instances of wrongdoing, there are three that jump out without much thought: former Mayor Hardie Davis, former Commissioner Sammie Sias and the imaginary and the non-existing Augusta Port Authority employee who received a $20,000 payroll payment.
The huge problem is, there are no city employees who are on the Port Authority payroll. It’s all volunteer based.
Now, the other departments in need of a forensic audit are Storm Water, Parks and Recreation, Engineering and the Landfill. If you listen closely, you will almost be able to hear the devoted dissenters yelling, “NO!” at the top of their voices.
If a forensic audit were ever to come to a vote with the sitting commissioners, it would certainly be the same votes as the Gold Cross vote: five for it, four against it, one abstention and the vote fails.
I strongly believe that the Augusta mayor needs to have a vote, not just to break a tie because there is rarely a tie due to manipulation of the votes.
The Augusta mayor needs a genuine, bona fide vote. Therefore, the ploy to abstain becomes of no use. The other four who cast no votes could also abstain. As long as there are five yes votes and the mayor votes yes, the agenda passes.
You must remember all of the times that the commissioners have bragged that with six votes, they can do anything that they want to do. A mayor’s vote would put an end to that romper room mentality.
The least the commissioners could do is to vote to instruct the procurement department to solicit bids for a forensic audit. Then we would know the base cost. It would put an end to the guessing games and misinformation.
The current firm that has performed the city audit for years should not be allowed to bid for the simple reason of the possibility of a conflict of interest. This in no way would indicate the current auditors are not sincere and above board for what they do.
While it’s true a forensic audit is mostly performed to find criminal activity, it can also prove no wrongdoing. Which could it be?
Come on commissioners. Sit up straight. Pull your shoulders back. Take a deep breath and swallow hard. Then press your finger down on button number one. You will feel so much better for it. Then again, you just may not. Only the forensic audit would tell.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Augusta Press.)
