By Paul Thompson

Northeast News

April 26, 2017

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – The KCMO City Auditor’s office has made 10 recommendations to the Independence Avenue Community Improvement District after conducting a performance audit of the organization.

The Auditor’s Office released the report on Wednesday, April 26; the same day that a presentation entitled “Independence Avenue Community Improvement District should Improve Accountability and Transparency” was delivered to the City Council’s Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee. Among the findings outlined in the performance audit were inappropriate payments and reimbursements, failure to follow check controls, and insufficient segregation of duties. Auditors also found that requirements surrounding possible conflicts of interest were not met, the CID did not comply will all established requirements, and that further transparency could be provided to stakeholders by improving the content of the CID’s website.

In a written response to the findings, the Independence Avenue CID agreed to implement all 10 recommendations from the Auditor’s Office. Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development committee members noted that the findings – and the need to improve certain practices – don’t negate the work being done along Independence Avenue.

“The CID is a wonderful tool if used properly, and I think they’ve seen some great results on the Independence Avenue corridor through the use of the CID,” said 6th District Councilman Scott Taylor. “There’s no question about that.”

The Northeast News will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the performance audit later this week.

In the meantime, to view highlights from the Independence Avenue CID Performance Audit, click here.

To read the audit in its entirety, click here.