SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - Southaven has put a new policy in place. Aldermen have decided to review the city's finances every two weeks. All of it is an effort to keep a close eye on taxpayer's money.
The city's accountant will look at each department from top to bottom.
"We just want her to look at it not only to verify things, but to explain it to us too," says alderman Ronnie Hale.
Aldermen have been navigating a financial minefield the last few months, with one bombshell after another regarding the city's money.
To gain more control, the city's accountant will start performing mini-audits of every department.
"Basically to see if there's anything we need to fine tune or any policies or procedures we need to change," Hale says. "We don't have a process in place as to who or what department is first. We're going to take recommendations on things she's already aware of."
The city already performs a yearly audit, and an outside firm could be hired, if needed.
"We're going to start with our internal girl that way we can keep it a little more in house, but if we do have to go outside, we've already contacted a few people in case we need to do that," Hale tells abc24.com.
The findings will be presented at every board meeting.
"She'll just give us an update each two weeks if she finds anything or whether she doesn't," he says.
Hale adds this shouldn't cost the city extra money.
"She's in house right now. It's not going to be anything extra, it's just going to be included in her work."
Those presentations should start in another month or so.
