Are you a citizen or city employee with concerning information about Joplin City Government that you would like to have the Missouri State Auditor’s office look into? NOW IS YOUR CHANCE!

The Missouri State Auditor and investigators stated and informed our citizen team that…“Individuals may provide confidential information for consideration during the audit of the City of Joplin to the State Auditor’s.” (Contact Information Below)

The audit will officially commence in the coming weeks with an entrance meeting with city officials on Tuesday, February 20, at 9 a.m. Also, they will do an entrance at the Joplin City Council on Tuesday February 20th at 6pm in the City Council Chambers, and Joplin citizens are welcome to attend! Mary Hays-Price and I will both be in attendance!

Our Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick stated… “The audit will provide a thorough review of not only the city’s finances but also the controls and procedures in place to ensure the city is managed effectively and efficiently. This will be a good opportunity to look at the progress the city has made since the last reports issued by the State Auditor’s Office, which found serious issues, including the mismanagement of millions of dollars of public funds.” Fitzpatrick added that “The petition process takes time and determination. When taxpayers dedicate their effort and energy to gather thousands of signatures, we give their concerns the attention they deserve. We will work diligently to provide a report that will give them a better understanding of how their city government is operating.”The Auditor’s investigators stated and informed our citizen team that“Individuals may provide confidential information for consideration during the audit of the City of Joplin to the State Auditor’s Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, and by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or by visiting this link…http://www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline personally encourage citizens, city officials, and anyone with any concerns regarding the operations, or finances of our city, to reach out and talk to the auditors!

Brian Evans for Joplin