Shine light on cities
Former Supreme Court Justice and Kentucky native Louis Brandeis once said that, “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.”
Our auditors strive every day to bring greater transparency and accountability to state and local government, and a new law will aid in that goal.
Senate Bill 168, sponsored by Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, and co-sponsored by Sen. Chris Girdler, R-Somerset, was signed into law April 1. It clarifies the authority and responsibility of the auditor when the office conducts a special examination or audit of a city. In drafting the legislation, we worked with an outstanding partner in the Kentucky League of Cities.
Auditors have investigated 20 cities between 2008 and 2015, with seven referred to law enforcement for potential criminal wrongdoings. The majority of these audits and special examinations were requested by elected officials; others were the result of complaints filed by employees or citizens.
Simply put, the law solidifies our ability to make sure the leaders in your town are acting with integrity and keeping the trust you placed in them.
Report any alleged mismanagement within state, county and local governments at 1-800-KY ALERT (800-592-5378), or file a complaint on www.auditor.ky.gov.
Mike Harmon
Kentucky Auditor
This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Shine light on cities."