Forensic Audit Needed in Brentwood

Brentwood received the lowest possible audit  rating of 'Poor', identified in the May/2013 report. "Poor" is defined as "The audit resuts indicate this entity needs to significantly improve operations.  The report contains numerous findings that require management's immediate attention, and/or the entity has indicated most recommendations will NOT be implemented.  In additon, if applicable, most prior recommendations have not been implemented." 

To access this report see site http://auditor.mo.gov

In the absence of a forensic audit, Brentwood can easily continue to use a "band-aid" approach to what the audit proved to be systemic laxity in accountability, record keeping, adherence to laws etc. The audit and 90 day follow up report is available through City Hall.  Brentwood has performed well in the "shade" of the Missouri Sunshine Laws--and I do not understand this.   The ongoing lack of accountability, failure to maintain what are legal public records, and a sense of "a good ole' boys' network operating in the Administration smacks of a two tiered level of operations:  "What we do"  and "What we claim we do."  None of this was apparent, at least to me until new Aldermanic blood began to ask depth questions that were not adequately responded to.  I have copies of all of my correspondence via my Alderman Manestar to the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor.  Each time I received a prompt and full response from the City Administrator, whom I believe to be  a  'straight shooter'.  However, long-held and systemic "good ole' boys" mentality is not going to be corrected over-night.  I believe a second audit, a forensic audit is called for under these circumstances. 

This is not an indictment of any one person, but of the system itself.  How did we get where we are; a rating of "POOR" by an unbiased auditor? I hope anyone reading this, takes the time to read the audit.  The Sunshine Laws are being disregarded given clarity of text in the original audit, and the crafted, loosely worded 90 response re corrective actions taken. I take seriously my hometown, my fellow neighbors, the rule of laws and ordinances--which have kept Brentwood a stable, but not stagnant community for years.  In this lght, I would like to see a forensic audit done in Brentwood.  Best regards, maureen wheat