11/09/2017
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released a progress report for the City of Viburnum in Iron County. The report shows improvement after an audit identified more than $100,000 in potentially fraudulent activities over a number of years and outlined a series of steps the city can take to better protect public dollars. Following the issuance of the audit report this summer, the former clerk, Dana Mayberry, was charged with a felony.
"My review found officials in Viburnum are working to strengthen processes to make sure questionable activity can be identified and investigated quickly," Auditor Galloway said. "I urge the city to continue these efforts in order to avoid the potential for public corruption. Citizens deserve a city that operates efficiently and transparently."
The previous report found when citizens made cash payments, the former city clerk would pocket the money, and then instead of marking their accounts as paid, she would adjust the accounts to show they owed less than they actually did. The follow-up review found that city officials are now reviewing some utility adjustments and are working to institute additional reviews.
The progress report also found the city is working to improve accounting practices and increase oversight of the utility and property tax system.
In total, auditors identified 11 areas of concern to evaluate during the follow-up review. Five recommendations were fully implemented. For six other recommendations, progress has been made or recommendations were partially implemented.
A complete copy of the follow up review for the City of Viburnum is online here.
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