- September 18, 2024
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Council considers forensic audit
Responding to comments from residents, the Palm Coast City Council has asked city staff to explore the process of conducting a forensic audit.
Palm Coast resident Ken McDowell said during the public comment period at the council’s Aug. 1 meeting that he demanded a “full and comprehensive forensic audit through an outside, professional forensic auditing firm.”
“If there’s nothing to hide, then our city government should be in the sunshine,” McDowell said.
McDowell said the city has developed an “internal government.” He cited zoning and development decisions that he said did not follow the city’s master plan.
Several residents echoed his statements.
Council member Theresa Carli Pontieri asked city staff to create a presentation on what a forensic audit process would entail, including a timeline and potential cost.
The rest of the council supported her proposal.
Palm Coast does conduct annual audits of the city’s accounts and budget.
Those audits are conducted at the end of the fiscal year by a third-party firm of the council’s choosing.
In 2022, the audit was conducted by the James Moore business consulting firm, which found that the city’s funds and accounts were accurately presented.
Council member Cathy Heighter said she was challenging herself and the rest of the council to resolve residents’ concerns.
“I think that it’s really important that we look into it and take these measures so that we can … [make] sure that the voices are heard from our community,” she said.
