News from State Auditor Crit Luallen’s Office Luallen moves forward with individual audits, citing alarming media reports and concerns over spending FRANKFORT, KY (7-1-09) State Auditor Crit Luallen today announced her plans to audit the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) and the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) due to recent alarming media reports and serious concerns over spending. “Because of recent newspaper articles and specific concerns brought to my office, the Kentucky State Auditor intends to audit KLC and KACo,” Luallen said. “This office has a responsibility to Kentucky citizens to ensure accountability for their tax dollars. “In these tough economic times, it’s more important than ever that these two agencies, which are funded by the public and governed by elected officials, have full transparency and thorough scrutiny. Anything less would be a disservice to the cities and counties they serve.” Luallen contacted KLC Board Chair Connie Lawson, mayor of Richmond, and KACo Board Chair Mike Foster, county attorney in Christian County, to notify them of her office’s plans. A letter of notification was also sent to the board chairs that outlined the Auditor’s statutory authority to conduct examinations. Luallen’s office had previously offered a series of recommendations to the boards of KLC and KACo to assist them with better agency oversight. Luallen said while these recommendations can be a useful tool for any public board, individual audits will help address the many concerns and questions regarding expenses and operations at KLC and KACo. “It’s clear by the examples of extravagant spending and lack of transparency that these agencies and their boards need the necessary tools to fulfill their responsibilities to the taxpayers,” Luallen said. “Through our audits, my office will not only help answer the many questions that have been raised but also provide specific recommendations to improve financial oversight going forward.” ####
