Alma council votes to decline proposed forensic audit after public questions

The Alma City Council on June 16 declined to engage an independent forensic accounting firm to conduct a targeted audit of selected city financial activity after a short public debate and a voice vote.

A resident who spoke during public comment questioned the purpose and cost of a forensic audit, saying, “It would cost this city about $35,000 according to Google” and asking, “So why do we need this?” The council discussed whether citizens or council members had requested the audit; one council member (Speaker 6) said citizens had asked that it be placed on the agenda, while another (Speaker 10) argued the money would be better spent on roads.

Mayor (Speaker 1) led the council through discussion about the scope and cost of forensic audits and noted that such audits are usually aimed at a specific concern rather than general budget review. After debate, the mayor announced the outcome: “The eyes have it,” and stated the council had decided not to engage an independent forensic firm.

The vote concluded without a formal contract or procurement action; the council’s stated rationale cited competing budget priorities and a desire for alternative, more cost-effective accounting reviews. The mayor also noted the city’s CPA had offered to appear at the next meeting to answer questions about recent audits and accounting practices.

What comes next: No further steps on an independent forensic audit were authorized at the meeting. Residents and council members who requested greater transparency were told the CPA will be invited to the next meeting to provide more detail.