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It falls to the Mapp administration to clean up behind Robinson-Briggs. |
The Plainfield City Council looked shell-shocked as they sat in complete silence Monday evening for an overview of the 2013 audit presented by CFO Al Steinberg and the city's auditor Bob Swisher of the firm Supplee Clooney.
The duo's presentation was based on the 2013 audit report and alternated between Swisher's presentation of the findings (problems that need to be addressed) and Steiberg's finely-detailed analysis of what has been wrong and what needs to be done to make fixes.
One eye-popping moment came when it was revealed that at one point the General Ledger was out of balance by $55 million. This disclosure brought a gasp from Councilor Vera Greaves, who said 'this is how a business can go bankrupt'. Most profound comment I have ever heard her make.
I posted on the audit and findings this past August (see post here), highlighting some of the same issues discussed last night -- such as purchasing, trust funds, handling of payments (including cash), and grants.
This was, however, the first time Steinberg has made such a detailed presentation to the Council, and it seemed they were taken aback at the shoddiness with which Plainfield's fiscal affairs have been handled.
And under their tenure, I might add -- they sign a group affidavit each year certifying they have read and understand the audit report and findings.
I previously posted a copy of the 2013 audit online here; the complete list of findings can be found starting at page 130 of the online document.
Some of the findings are not news; the real question is whether the Mapp administration will adopt a realistic plan to make the fixes -- there are just too many things to be corrected to get it done in a single year. And secondly, hold employees accountable for following through.
Though the mess has been left behind by former Mayor Robinnson-Briggs, it will be Mapp's duty to clean it up.
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3 comments:
GET RID OF GLORIA TAYLOR SHE DONT UNDERSTAND. SHE STILL TRIED TO FIND A WAY TO PASS THE BLAME. SHE IS DOING THE WORK OF THE FORMER MAYOR AND WHAT A MESS SHE WILL BE IF SHE IS ELECTED TO SERVE OUT MAYOR MAPPS TERM.
Funny how the council is struck silent when it comes to the missing 55 million under their tenure, yet have so much to say about the "supposedly missing thousand dollars" from the volunteer run baseball league. Other than the rantings of some vindictive people with a grudge because they were cut off from the recreation money train, where is the proof? If you got it, show it. Don't talk about, be about it. Otherwise, sit down! However, there is plenty of paperwork regarding the missing money from the city but no one seems to be interested in that because some of their cronies might be involved. Really people, can you not see the forest for the trees?
I read the report. I was sorry I read the report because it provides a frightening picture. What are the appropriate words: disorganization, disarray, incompetence, ignorance? I wonder if the mess can ever be rectified? Congratulations Sharon, Mayor, self appointed CFO....clueless in every aspect of your office. Bill Kruse
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