Wasilla to conduct audit of internal procedures

WASILLA — Mayor Verne E. Rupright has directed an internal audit of the city to be conducted “to dispel any myths or rumors concerning transparency of the city government’s processes.”

Finance Director Troy Tankersley and Police Chief Mike Hughes were tasked with defining the scope of the audit, which will be conducted by an independent third party, Tankersley said.

“There’s no indication of fraud or bad things,” he said. “This is kind of a way for us to look at ourselves and make sure we are doing things correctly.”

Wasilla Mayor Vern Rupright said he was elected to raise the bar in city government to a higher standard of professionalism. He said his administration’s goal is to avoid even the apperance of wrongdoing. “I’m responsible for all that happens and doesn’t happen.”

Tankersley said this is the first the city has turned its gaze inward to review its policies and practices and make sure taxpayer money is used wisely. “It’s not a very common practice, but it never hurts to step back and look at your processes.”

He said some citizens have voiced concerns about a need for more transparency in the way the city of Wasilla conducts the people’s business.

This audit is separate from the city’s annual financial review, Tankersley said.

In part, Hughes said the audit is designed to help the Wasilla Police Department in its pursuit of accreditation from the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police. He said the Juneau Police Department recently earned accreditation from the association.

“Basically, we are looking to ensure our own accountability,” Hughes said. “And we should hold ourselves accountable to our community.”

He said he expects the review to highlight ways the police department can better serve its community.

Tankersley said the audit is not in response to suspected wrong-doing.

“We don’t think anything is amiss, he said. “We’re more focused on the transparency part of it.”

Tankersley will work with Chief Hughes to define the scope of the audit. Once Rupright signs off on the audit’s focus, he said the city will issue a request for proposals. He said the audit also might be divided into phases, so more than one request for proposals could be issued.

“The deeper you go, the more it will cost,” Tankersley said.

The goal is to complete the review by Jan. 1, though he noted, the process of hiring a third-party to complete the audit may extend the timeline some.

The memo dated Sept. 20 from Rupright’s office cautions that if improprieties are discovered, remedial action will be taken.

“This is part one of building a professional standard for the city as a whole, and will expand into each area of city government,” the memo said.

Contact Heather A. Resz at heather.resz@frontiersman.com or 352-2268.