A recently released audit by the Colorado Springs City Auditor details reports of city vehicle use reporting inconsistencies and the use of staff for non-official child supervision. The Office of the City Auditor says it received two hotline reports alleging fraud, waste, and abuse involving an elected official, later identified as Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade.
Audit Findings
The audit examined telematics data, mileage reporting, calendar entries, City policies, and staff interviews. It found instances of personal use of a City-owned vehicle and use of staff for non-official child supervision. The audit committee identified weaknesses in the internal controls governing personal use of City resources and recommends strengthening these controls.
The auditor reports that the review identified instances in which the elected official used a City-owned vehicle for personal travel that was not fully captured through the existing imputed income calculation process. Telematics data showed personal travel both inside and outside City limits that was not reflected in the mileage used to determine imputed income or reimbursement amounts.
The review also identified multiple instances in which City staff supervised the elected official’s children during work hours or official events. Since the City or staff does not maintain records of these occurrences, including dates, duration, or the amount of staff time involved, the total impact cannot be quantified.
The City’s Personnel Policies manual does not apply to the elected official, but the City does have a “Visitors in the Workplace” policy. This policy allows visitors, including family members, in City facilities on a limited basis but requires that visitors not disrupt operations, be escorted when not in public areas, and not be left unattended or left with employees that they are not there to visit.
The auditor writes that supervision of an elected official’s children is not within the scope of City staff job duties, and several employees reported feeling uncertain about expectations when children were present. The audit committee reports that establishing clear guidance regarding staff interaction with the elected official’s family members may help prevent confusion.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
