City Commission Hears and Accepts Findings of Independent Audit at Special Joint Meeting

Auditor Presents That There Are No Missing Funds – Funds Are Accounted For

by Victor Moreno/LFN

A special joint meeting by the La Feria City Commission, La Feria IDC and EDC was held on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. to hear a presentation of findings by independent auditors Carr, Riggs & Ingram, llc.

The audit reported on activity by the EDC, IDC and City from 2012 to 2016 and found that key protocols and internal controls were either not followed or not in place during this time period.

These deficiencies and control related matters are what led to funds, primarily from capital grant activity and restricted for use only on the specific projects they were granted for, to be spent on other city operations to the tune of approximately 3.8 million.

According to the auditor the capital grant funds were put into the same account used by the city for other operations and were not identified or monitored leading to the funds having been spent and not missing as previously reported in March 2017.

“The Independent Auditors selected by the City of La Feria presented audit reports for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016 and the City Commission accepted the report. The audit reports show that there is NO MISSING MONEY as has been claimed by the City Finance Director, City Manager, Mayor and City Commissioners, and the City’s attorneys.” stated Mr. Sunny K. Phillip when asked for comment regarding the independent auditors’ findings.

The City Commission did accept the audit report as presented by Carr, Riggs & Ingram and understands that they must now face the frustrating task of repaying these funds.

“This is not an overnight fix… but we will do are darnedest to regain the trust of the people of La Feria” stated Commissioner Lozano at the meeting.

At the time of preparing this article La Feria News was awaiting comment or statement from the City. We will provide updates as soon as possible.