Branson West lacks documentation of city expenses

In the year ending Sept. 30, 2004, the city conducted at least five major projects that required engineering services. The audit questions if bids were made for the services and states documentation of bids for two of the projects, with engineering costs totaling $482,000, was not kept.

Proposals for several other projects during the year also were not documented.

In the city’s response to the audit, the board of aldermen said “periodic solicitation of proposals is practiced,” and documentation will be improved.

The audit also notes the city administrator previously worked for the engineering firm chosen to complete four of the five projects.

Various city expenditures were not documented throughout the year, including credit card purchases and vendor invoices. The audit recommends keeping receipts and invoices for all purchases, particularly employee meals.

The city did not solicit bids, or documentation of bids was not kept, for 22 of 24 reviewed purchases, including property and liability insurance, city vehicles and road materials, according to the audit.

The audit also determined the city does not have written travel expense policies, and employees are occasionally reimbursed for both fuel and mileage expenses.

The audit recommends placing a cap on travel expenses so city residents can trust public officials “to expend public funds in a necessary and prudent manner.” The board of aldermen responded with a commitment to execute a travel policy.

The city of Branson West is located in Stone County and had a population of 408 in 2000.