SANTA FE – Today, State Auditor Tim Keller released a statement on a special examination the City of Santa Fe initiated with accounting firm REDW. The examination reviewed the use of voter-approved bonds of $30.3 million dedicated to acquire land for and to improve public parks, trails and open spaces for recreational purposes during a period from March 4, 2008, through June 30, 2014.
“The State Auditor’s office will provide additional oversight to ensure corrective actions are taken to address the deficiencies in internal controls that were found,” Auditor Keller stated. “We are working with the Mayor, the City Council and the Attorney General’s Office to develop a coordinated process for the red flags that were raised and to protect taxpayers moving forward.”
Attorney General Hector Balderas added, “I take allegations of misuse of public funds very seriously. State Auditor Keller will inform my office if concerns arise regarding potential criminal activity, and we will analyze any credible criminal allegations accordingly.”
“We are moving quickly to implement policies that enhance good government and provide barriers to the misuse of funds,” stated Mayor Javier Gonzales. “City employees have been directed to modify procedures while I work with the State Auditor and others to ensure that new internal controls are functioning properly moving forward.”
The report was conducted through a contract between the City of Santa Fe and the accounting firm REDW. Earlier this week, Auditor Keller met with Mayor Gonzales and City of Santa Fe officials to review and discuss the findings in the report.
Information from Office of State Auditor