Indianapolis City-County Councilor Michael-Paul Hart is pushing for changes in the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) after an internal audit revealed shortcomings in operations and spending. The audit found that $45 million in federal funds allocated to combat crime could not be fully accounted for.

Proposed Funding Freeze

Hart is proposing to cut off all OPHS funding in the upcoming 2027 budget until significant changes are made. He suggests that OPHS implement a system of standard operating procedures in managing contracts and invoices. “No more blank checks for OPHS without any accountability,” Councilor Hart told reporters recently.

OPHS Director Andrew Merkley responded to Hart’s suggestion, saying that they have implemented staff training and improved data tracking. He also said it would be premature to cut funding for those projects. “A total halt seems like a knee-jerk reaction,” Merkley said.

The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee will meet on Wednesday to discuss the issue further. Councilor Hart said that’s when he will call for a halt to OPHS funding.

Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.