Ventura closes investigation into employee spending despite calls for deeper probe
The Ventura City Council ended its investigation into employee spending even though some members of the public called for a deeper probe.
On Monday, council members discussed an audit conducted on employee credit card and reimbursement practices after community members raised concerns about improper spending by former city manager Alex McIntyre.
An independent review by CPA firm Eide Bailly determined 5% of credit card, reimbursements and other transactions by Ventura employees and officials from October 2019 to September 2022 likely didn't follow city protocols.
The report recommended the city train employees on allowable expenses and required documentation.
Resident Glenn Overley, who first publicly raised the issue of improper spending, disagreed with a staff report that concluded there was no evidence of any wrongdoing and or management override of internal controls.
"If council truly wants to regain citizen trust and confidence, make a bold statement and acknowledge that violations of policy occurred," Overley said. Policies should be amended to prohibit additional breaches, he added, and future violations should not be tolerated.
Councilmembers acknowledged the audit was not comprehensive but said they wanted to move on and implement better training and other recommendations.
Mayor Joe Schroeder said employees and officials need to be trained on standards and policies, which are different than those in the corporate world.
The audit cost about $80,000 plus staff time, said Greg Morley, the city's interim chief finance officer.
David Grau, the president of the Ventura County Taxpayers Association, said he was in the favor of the audit despite its price and lack of "major errors" because taxpayers can learn what internal controls and processes are in place.
The council received and filed the report. No further work was requested.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura closes book on investigation into employee spending
