State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has released an audit revealing that a former mayor of Excelsior Estates improperly paid himself over $37,000 and funneled more than $200,000 to his own business. The audit found the village’s records in disarray, with vital financial records stored in a makeshift camper trailer. The investigation was triggered by a whistleblower complaint, prompting the Board of Aldermen to invite the audit.
As of a new law that took effect on July 23, Fitzpatrick’s office now has the authority to initiate audits of local agencies in cases of fraud, waste of resources, or violations of the law, without needing consent from the governing body or a petition from residents.
The bill granting this power originated from concerns about cost overruns at a school district in St. Charles County. Previously, the auditor’s office could only audit school districts and counties without elected auditors, requiring petitions for audits at other government entities. With the additional funding and staff rebuilding efforts, Fitzpatrick aims to increase audit output, with a focus on state agencies and programs.
The new authority is seen as a way to streamline the audit process and make it easier for taxpayers to report improper government activities. The office is currently working on audits of several agencies and programs, including the cannabis program within the Department of Health and Senior Services, with plans to release findings early next year.
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