Public commenters urge audit remediation and transparency, Chamber warns to weigh cost of priorities

Public comment at the March 11 Bloomington City Council deliberation focused on two themes: treating maintenance and capital work as long‑term investments, and strengthening financial reporting and internal controls.

Chris Derivji, representing the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, told councilors the city’s physical and cultural assets — from Indiana Avenue to arts venues and recreation fields — should be viewed as investments that sustain economic vitality. “What can we do to maybe save money down the road? These are investments,” Derivji said, urging councilors to consider which assets provide economic return when setting priorities.

Kevin Keogh, a resident who spoke during the public‑comment period, pressed the council on financial transparency and audit compliance. Keogh recounted his communications with the Indiana Board of Accounts and said the statutory and federal deadlines for the annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) and the single audit are mandatory. “The September 30 deadline is not a suggestion. It is a federal regulation mandate under the uniform guidance,” Keogh said, and he urged the council to refer the single audit findings and remediation plan to the fiscal committee for a public briefing. He warned that failure to meet audit and disclosure obligations could risk contractual obligations tied to bond documents and affect the city’s credit reputation.

Paul Russo, another resident, offered a brief comment thanking councilors for acknowledging transportation inequities.

Council response: councilors thanked the commenters. Controller McKim and several council members acknowledged the need for clearer timelines and remedial steps where relevant; no formal action was taken on the public‑comment requests during the session. Stasberg said she will circulate a follow‑up survey and a draft letter or resolution to the administration and aim to present paperwork for council approval at a subsequent meeting.

What to watch: whether the fiscal committee or the administration schedules a public briefing on the city’s single audit findings and the ACFR publication timeline in response to the concerns raised.