Use this link to . . . COMMENT
IN
THIS WEEK’S RAYTOWN REPORT
- Jackson County Health Department (SIGN UP FOR VACCINE DISTRIBUTION)
- Election Update – List of Candidates filed for April 6, 2021 City Election
- Link to Missouri State Audit of Raytown City Hall
- Missouri State Audit of Raytown BY STATE AUDITOR NICOLE GALLOWAY
- Highlights of Missouri State Audit BY TONY JACOB
- Police Activity Report
From the Jackson
County Health DepartmentSIGN UP FOR VACCINE DISTRIBUTION
As we plan for COVID vaccine distribution, Jackson County Health Department has developed a survey to collect contact information for those who are interested in receiving the COVID vaccine.
Anyone interested in receiving the vaccine should complete the survey.
This survey will allow
us to determine which distribution tier individuals belong in once the vaccine
becomes available for that individuals tier, we will use the contact
information in the survey to share information on how they can register for a
vaccine appointment.
Use the following link to take the survey: https://form.jotform.com/203524953651153
Please share this information widely.
Tony Jacob
Loretha Hayden
ALDERMAN, WARD 3
Ryan Myers
ALDERMAN, WARD 4
ALDERMAN, WARD 5
Bonnaye Mims
MUNICIPAL JUDGE
Traci Fann
Use this link to . . . COMMENT
. . . . Breaking News . . . .
RAYTOWN AUDIT RELEASED
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released the findings of the Missouri State Audit of the City of Raytown. Use the following link to view the Audit in its entirety. The Raytown Report will be releasing a story explaining what is called for by the Audit in the near future.
There are four possible ratings assigned to Audits . . . Excellent, Good, Fair and Poor.
The State Auditor’s office rated the Raytown audit as “FAIR”. Fair means the audit results indicates the city needs to improve operations in several areas. The report contains several findings.
https://app.auditor.mo.gov/Repository/Press/2020119_5901800321.pdf
 |
| NICOLE GALLOWAY |
Auditor Galloway
releases
citizen-requested audit of Raytown
Audit recommends
better monitoring of funds used for incentives, increased transparency measures for city operations
REPRINTED FROM THE
MISSOURI STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway
today released an audit of the City of Raytown, located in Jackson County. The
audit was completed after citizens petitioned for a review of the city's
finances and operations. In response to the audit, the city has committed to
making changes to address the findings.
"Citizens requested this audit for a
thorough and independent review of their city government. We found several
areas in which improvements can be made to increase transparency and ensure the
city is managed effectively," said Auditor Galloway. "I appreciate
city officials' commitment to make positive change in response to our
recommendations." . . . .
. . . . The audit also found
the city did not always comply with the Sunshine Law. The Board of Aldermen and
Park Board did not maintain meeting minutes for all closed meetings in fiscal
years 2018 and 2019. Additionally, both boards did not always properly report
or limit the topics discussed in closed meetings.
In November, after audit fieldwork had concluded, the State Auditor's Office received a whistleblower complaint related to potential bonus payments for Raytown city employees during the current year. While the audit is now complete, the allegation is being reviewed by the office's Public Corruption and Fraud Division.
USE THIS LINK TO . . . READ MORE
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| BY TONY JACOB |
The State Audit Identified (1) deficiencies in internal controls, (2) noncompliance with legal provisions, and (3) the need for improvement in management practices and procedures.
"The lack of records makes it more difficult" to audit mentioned 3 times.
The city did not ensure compliance with the Sunshine Law.
TIF debt
approximately $200,000 from stormwater was used to pay down the debt.
approximately $2.5 million in the transportation portion of the TIF debt went unpaid.
Raytown Live was not reported transparently.
Nearly half the city vendors did not have conflict of interest as required including donors.
The city did not solicit bids or proposals for $155,539.
Severance of $70,161 was not necessary and {un}reasonable.
A Captain got $54,770 in 26 weeks of severance and healthcare costs.
City budgets do not include all statutorily required elements.
$21,589 was funneled from VIPS to PD employees without tracking.
Nearly ¾ of VIPS were not properly screened & vetted. Includes more than ¼ who never filed applications but had access to sensitive areas and data anyway.
Found that multiple City staff used taxpayer funds, city equipment, and on the clock time to benefit a private unnamed entity.
Clearly notes the Chief resigned not retired.
"Fair" means "the audit results indicate this entity needs to improve operations in several areas. The report contains several findings, or one or more findings that require management's immediate attention, and/or the entity has indicated several recommendations will not be implemented."
Use this link to . . . COMMENT
Police Activity Report
On December 4th, at
approx. 2:00 am, officers responded to a residence in the 7500 block of Woodson
regarding a suicidal subject. While officers tried to talk to the subject, he
pointed a gun at an officer. He was
peacefully taken into custody and the gun was recovered.
- On December 4th, at approx. 3:05 pm, officers were called to the 8600 block of Greenwood on shots fired. The investigation revealed that subjects in a car had fired a gun multiple times at several people in another car. A stray bullet also struck an occupied home, causing minor damage. No one was injured in either the car or the house. The investigation is ongoing.
- On December 5th, at approx. 4:50 pm, officers were called to a business in the 9000 block of 350 Hwy on a robbery. The clerk reported that two subjects entered the store, and one had a gun in his waistband. The subjects stole merchandise from the store and fled the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
- There was one sex crime report made this week. The incident occurred at a location in Raytown and involved subjects who know each other. The investigation is ongoing.
Comments
No one. And no one.
What an embarrassment.
"In November, after audit fieldwork had concluded, the State Auditor's Office received a whistleblower complaint related to potential bonus payments for Raytown city employees during the current year. While the audit is now complete, the allegation is being reviewed by the office's Public Corruption and Fraud Division."
Whistle blower sounds like someone inside didn't get the bonus promised to others that was found in the audit...
The audit cost a lot of buck for very little bang. Where is all the fraud and corruption? Seems like record-keeping issues mainly.
What a waste of time and money.
The VIPS program was shut down because of gross mismanagement of funds. The audit found that $7,000 was unaccounted for.
I can tell you have not read the audit.
Most interesting is the following quote from the last page of the auditor's report.
"In November, after audit fieldwork had concluded, the State Auditor's Office received a whistleblower complaint related to potential bonus payments for Raytown city employees during the current year. While the audit is now complete, the allegation is being reviewed by the office's Public Corruption and Fraud Division."
The officers quit because they were going to lose their jobs. They were snapped up pretty quickly by other departments. The VIPS program is still alive. Not sure where you got your info on these points but you are wrong.
I read that the auditor has to review all complaints (even the fraudulent ones.) It would be good to wait on the results of the investigation before assuming something malicious.
The city does not have a contract or formal agreement with a local not-forprofit (NFP) organization which documents the duties and responsibilities of
each party. In addition, the police department did not have a method to ensure
all expenses eligible for reimbursement from the NFP were requested as
applicable.
We reviewed personnel files maintained for each of the 19 former and current
members serving in the Volunteer Corp since it was established in 2011. Our
review of the files identified the following concerns:
• 5 volunteers had no application on file.
• 14 volunteers did not complete a face to face interview with department
personnel.
• 3 volunteers did not have complete background checks documented.
• 12 volunteers did not have evidence of an employment check.
• 2 volunteers did not have signed confidentiality agreements on file.
The most interesting part of this section of the audit is the City's response. The agree with every change suggested by the Auditor.
Let's hope the keep their word.
There you go. Let's focus on the "record-keeping" (sic) issue.
"Mainly", although there are various other concerns. And perhaps a few more were overlooked.
Clearly, the City has some issues with basic management and accountability.
Two of our admins pocket 100K and WELL over 100K per annum, do they not?
For a city of 30,000 or so individuals. Inside of 9.97 SQUARE MILES.
The police chief issue packed up and escorted itself out the door. Two years into their four year commitment to the citizens, they abruptly "retired", full pension.
We need significantly more supervision at City Hall. Performance benchmarking, which, if indicated, includes comprehensive, progressive discipline measures which rapidly progresses to employment termination for continuous subpar performance.
We're not running a training program or providing compassionate employment opportunities to those who clearly may function far more capably in other support or subordinate positions.
Using city employees time and taxpayer resources to help build a private business is wrong. The confusion of the city website saying VIPS is one thing versus the city's explanation is confusing.
I don't think it was "tens of thousands of dollars", however in my opinion if you review the actual flagrant details, I don't believe that that individual should be running for office again until they have paid their fines and/or restitution in full. Just MHO. We really need qualified candidates in that Ward to step up.
"May have" vs "did"?
Everyone is given a key and a badge that opens doors. They may have used it or may have not, the records were destroyed so we don't know for sure, but what we do know is they had keys and badges without being background checked or even filing applications this they did have opportunity.
Sorry if fractions confused you. The number of people at issue over the number of people total is how you come to those numbers.
I thought the city agreed to clean up. Smh.
Those who intend to run for office and those who wish to operate a business in Raytown are required to demonstrate fiscal competency by proving that they have paid their taxes, yet has there has been pretty much CRICKETS from the City about this alleged or acknowledged ethics violation by a sitting/prospective Alderman?
Is this alleged ethics violation still OPEN? (Subject to supervision, review, or further action?)
Somewhat of a double standard here, IMO.
These two "things" aren't the same, yet they really are. It all comes down to responsibility, accountability.
If there's any validity to this ethics violation, yet another (for lack of a better term at the moment) "loophole" that the City needs to address, perhaps?
No doubt that the State Auditor would agree?
https://youtu.be/6RmS5TbAlac
https://www.jacquielawson.com/ecard/pickup/rf76facdc160c4a55b7cf7f499982ccfa?source=jl999&utm_medium=pickup&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=receivercontent
Andy Whiteman
"Dumpster fire" I agree with ten thousand percent.
Only a tiny handful are stoking those fires, IMO.
The enormous amount of noise that they make reflects so agonizingly poorly on the few that are attempting with all their might make good policy and to actually serve the citizens.
However, please explain how these people "benefit" by continuing to partake in said
"dumpster fire"?
I can't imagine how...
Where did anyone allege "corruption"?
These current circumstances have little to do with Sharma's salary.
Sharma is history. This is NOW.
There are TWO City employees netting over 100K.
The theme of the comment was PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKING.
Measures need to be enacted to ensure that we have employees that have the experience to adequately function in their positions AND! that their work product consistently performs at levels commensurate with those somewhat extraordinary payouts, given the demands placed upon them up against a relatively small population and area.
https://youtu.be/VE3fWgI2GZ0
Not everyone left early today but most did. It's better to be safe than sorry since most of us have a long drive to get back home in this weather.
https://www.jacquielawson.com/ecard/pickup/r97ed7411f5604a98bc53b4a782889a24?source=jl999&utm_medium=pickup&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=receivercontent
Andy Whiteman
Bottom line, Raytown had multiple areas they are having to fix that covers millions of taxpayer dollars. Raytown wasn't excellent and it wasn't even good.
Starting to get a little nervous about the dearth of candidate signups, especially in one Ward in particular.
Nothing is going to change in this City unless we can get some more qualified people lined up.
Some of these people, cumulatively, have accumulated quite the slate of related negative issues and have conducted themselves in such a manner in the last couple years where they really need to consider withdrawing from consideration, in our opinion.
If their intent is pure and they truly wish to make a difference in this community, plenty of other (non-elected) opportunities in local public service await them.
Nothing in Raytown is going to change until we insist upon and recruit performance-oriented, quality candidates.
(Attention! Business owners, attorneys...)
"Bottom line".
It has to do with the Walmart TIF The city can improve its monitoring of the use of restricted city sales taxes used to subsidize the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) debt associated with the Raytown Live Redevelopment Area (Raytown Live aka Walmart).
It reads:
"The city has not determined and DOES NOT MONITOR restricted portions of the TIF debt to
ensure the non-captured (city) portion of the RESTRICTED SALES TAXES."
I remember those taxes. The Transportation Sales Tax and the Storm Sewer Tax. I wondered why the city had quit maintaining our neighborhood streets. It has been over 30 years since the street I live on has been properly repaired with a new overlay.
Those tax dollars have been diverted to pay the Walmart debt. According to the audit City Hall does not even keep track of how much of our tax dollars has been used to pay off the Walmart debt!
We need better Aldermen at City Hall. The bunch up there now is not doing their job of watching out for us.
Andy Whiteman
We have corrected the mistake - apologies.
To clarify: Filing for the April 4th City Election is January 19th. Filing closes that day at 5:00 p.m. Because of Covid restrictions it is advised to not wait until the very last minute to file. As of this date there are races in Ward 1 and Ward 2. Wards 3, 4 and 5 have only one candidate filed. Only the incumbents have filed in Wards 3, 4 and 5.
This election is the perfect time to do so. If there is an incumbent running in my ward you can bet I will be voting for their challenger. This bunch has got to go.
"This situation is toxic. The only way to fix it is to replace those on the Board who make it that way."
Yes, yes, yes! BOA meetings are archived online.
Review a few of those meetings very closely.
There are those that consistently contribute good policy.
The rest? Out!
Vote accordingly.
We really need some new blood on the City Council. On candidate running has run in the last three elections. Nearly all of the incumbents have been on way past their time of being effective.
I watch the Board meetings and find the conduct of the majority of our elected officials to be terrible. They gang up and bully anyone they view as a threat. They interrupt each other when speaking. What is most concerning is what appears to be a lack of interest in studying the issues before them. A bad habit of trying to rush legislation through the process and way, way too much reliance on what appears to be un-named bureaucrats pulling the strings in the background.
Just my thoughts. I hope others will step forward and file. It may sound tiresome, but we really do need new blood on the Board of Aldermen. One half of them are up for election. If you have ever thought of running for public office before, now is the time to do so.
Before the election you posted:
One party wishes to re-write our history, defund our police departments, embrace socialism, and redefine America
They say, "Let's change everything in the United States of America."
The other party says, "Let's not."
Election day is Tuesday. We have an important job to do. We have decisions to make.
Voting is a duty every American, 18 years and older, share. If you have not already done so, please remember to vote.
And then you spend your entire commentary this week after one of the most consequential days in our history
Singing the praises of "Binge Watching" ??
Most of America was Binge Watching the disgraceful behavior in Washington DC.
We though a little harmless escapism from the Covid19 Virus, the politics and a very damp and cold week of typical midwestern winter weather was in order.
So tell us, other than binge watching the national news networks what shows do you suggest our readers check out?
I don't have to go somewhere else. Mr. Walters has chosen to allow me to say my 2 centavos.
He is a gracious host that way.
He let's me rant sometimes even when we may not agree.
You sound like the love it or leave it guy (or gal). Pretty sure he is used to me after posting here several years now.
You have a great day.
RN