Centreville city leaders have ordered a forensic audit of the city’s finances following a change in mayor just two weeks ago. The city is facing thousands of dollars in debt, and officials are uncertain about how to make payroll or pay bills.
Mayor Barry Cooner revealed, “We don’t have a lot of money. We are financially strapped right now. We’ve had to borrow money on the last two payrolls.” Cooner disclosed that upon taking office, he encountered more than $40,000 in unpaid bills and no clear explanation for the financial issues. “Five years ago we had plenty of money,” he said. “We just passed a one cent sales tax, we had the COVID money, it’s all gone now.”
The audit, costing between $30,000 and $50,000, is seen as a necessary step to address the financial woes. “I think the cost is in line because hopefully we can recoup money from the forensic audit,” Cooner stated.
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He also noted that the theft of $21,000 by a former employee is only a small part of the financial troubles. “The result of the employee taking the money is just a drop in the basket of what we’re looking at,” he said. Despite the challenges, Cooner assured that the city will strive to prevent any future payroll disruptions.