Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Reading Into The Audit

Harrison Square audit
Link

"The State Board of Accounts audit detailing the city Redevelopment Commission’s handling of Harrison Square proved to be something of a Rorschach test for those most interested in the project. Supporters found evidence that everything was done properly, while opponents found “proof” that the commission violated state law."

"The bottom line: The State Board of Accounts audit made no direct allegations of wrongdoing. Generally, when state audits find practices that conflict with state law, the audit pointedly describes the conflict and lays out action government officials should take to rectify the problem and prevent future violations."

"The portion of the audit dealing with Harrison Square includes no specific findings of wrong or illegal action on the city’s part, and its only significant recommendation for action was to change a city code regarding the City Council’s need to approve all purchases of property."

"The project’s opponents – desperately seeking reasons to block, delay or otherwise demean Harrison Square – have criticized the Redevelopment Commission’s process for buying nearly $8 million worth of property."

"Perhaps most problematic is the part of the law that appears, at least to non-lawyers, to require that the appraisals be obtained first. But lawyers for the city, Redevelopment Commission and – perhaps more importantly – for the bond issuer all signed off on the process. The audit included no finding that the city’s process was faulty."

"“If we did something wrong, I can assure you they would have indicated that,” City Controller Pat Roller said after receiving the audit. Reading other state audits backs up that view.

The state audit did not glowingly approve of the practices used in buying land for Harrison Square – but its lack of a specific criticism speaks volumes."

2 comments:

barranda said...

"The State Board of Accounts audit detailing the city Redevelopment Commission’s handling of Harrison Square proved to be something of a Rorschach test for those most interested in the project." Indeed.

John B. Kalb said...

Please see our reponse to TW's editorial at FortWayneNews.com under "Response to JG Editorial on H.S. Audit" John B. Kalb