A newly released state audit finds Whitman County Fire District 12 failed to keep credit card statements or other documentation on thousands of dollars in public spending between 2013 and 2016.
The reported, published today, stated the district did not retain copies of credit card statements or other records for a variety of purchases during that four-year period. After obtaining independent statements from the credit card company, auditors still could not account for $10,856 in spending.
“The District did not dedicate the necessary resources to establish policies and procedures and to monitor credit card purchases for adequate support and valid business purposes,” the report stated.
The district reportedly uses three credit cards to purchase an average of about $16,500 in supplies each year. Most of those expenses include office supplies, meals for meetings, travel costs, conference fees and other department equipment.
Auditors found 44 percent of a sample of purchases ($6,799 of $15,458 in purchases) did not have adequate support documentation, according to the report.
In the district’s response, officials noted fire commissioners would be reviewing credit card practices, open meeting requirements and other policies.
“The district has already implemented new policies and procedures in regards to these issues and we will strive to review and update these policies on an annual basis,” the response states. “The district is actively working to safeguard public resources and support our purchases with the appropriate documentation.”
District Fire Chief Lester Erwin did not immediately return requests for comment.
The auditor’s report states officials will review the district’s progress during its next audit.
Whitman County Fire District 12 audit (Nov. 19, 2018) by Whitman County Watch on Scribd