Petition for Forensic Audit of City Finances Bessemer, Alabama

FORENSIC AUDIT

What is a forensic audit?

A forensic audit is a detailed look into the finances and financial practices of the city. Auditors who are specially trained in both finance and investigation would be hired from an external (3rd party firm) to conduct the audit. This process would assure that our city tax dollars are being spent in an appropriate manner. 

Why should Bessemer residents demand a forensic audit? 

One of the duties of our Bessemer City Council Is to oversee finances. They not only vote to approve the budget.. our councilors ‘should’ be able to investigate the day to day details of how our tax dollars are being spent. This is a layer of protection built into the structure of city government to keep our tax dollars safe from corrupt politicians. 

The Gulley Administration has refused to allow the Bessemer City Council access to requested financial information.. for years! The city bank statements, bank reconciliations, check registers and credit card receipts all belong to Bessemer residents. This information should be readily available to Bessemer City Councilors.. as well as.. all city residents. 

In campaigns, interviews, speeches and even on the city website.. Ken Gulley uses the word TRANSPARENCY. Mayor Gulley has promised us TOTAL TRANSPARENCY in Bessemer city government. In truth, our tax payer dollars and the business dealings of the city are a tightly guarded secret by the Gulley administration.

What is TRANSPARENCY? 

TRANSPARENCY in government refers to a “clear view” for all city residents into city business and how our money being spent on a day to day basis. 

TRANSPARENCY in our city business matters is our best weapon against corruption. 

The city has yearly audits. Why do we need another audit? 

The yearly audit into city finances is a brief overview based primarily on financial statements and reports provided by the administration. This audit does not look into the details of how our tax dollars are spent. Rather, it is simply to look..  in a broad sense.. to see if state regulations and guidelines are being followed. It is not a reflection of the financial health of the city nor does it weed out misappropriation.

If there is nothing to hide.. why is Mayor Gulley willing to break the law to withhold public information? 

That is what Bessemer residents need to know. We can hope there is no fraud, embezzlement, money laundering or misappropriation of funds in regards to Bessemer finances. With over a decade of not being forthcoming with the details of how our money is being spent.. the opportunity within the Gulley administration for theft/misappropriation is very high. As residents.. we must participate in our local government. 

It is time for residents to demand a full forensic audit of Bessemer city finances. Let’s get this done so we can move our City forward with confidence.