This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — The town of Winona Lake has issued an extensive response after the state released an 88-page report documenting misuse of money, credit card abuse and a long list of financial reporting deficiencies.
Town Council President Ashley McGinnis issued the statement on behalf of the town council and clerk-treasurer Tuesday afternoon after local media had learned the audited report had been posted online.
Facts contained in the audit, she wrote, were issues that “reflect breakdowns not just in policy or process, but in oversight, communication, and follow-through.”
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Read the full statement issued by the town at the bottom of this article.
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Town officials have been aware that the state had been working on an audit for quite a while and began implementing policy changes after Heather James took over as clerk-treasurer about eight months ago.
Some changes have already been established, according to the town’s statement:
- Implemented full fund review and realignment of accounts to reflect proper use and purpose.
- Review and enforce policy & procedure concerning credit card issuance, use, and documentation.
Other changes are outlined in the statement below.
The statement also thanked the State Board of Accounts “for their thorough review” and pledged to “report back to the public regularly on our progress.”
The town’s statement also said officials view the audit as an opportunity “to learn, to improve, and to build a stronger foundation for the future of Winona Lake.”
Below is the full statement issued by the town:
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