Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
An effort to restore trust in the government and operations of the Town of Greenville took a step forward on Tuesday, July 15, when the long-awaited preliminary report from the Office of Sherrill Norman, Auditor General for the State of Florida, was released. This audit of the town’s operations and finances came at the request of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee (JLAC), which includes Sen. Corey Simon, whose district includes Madison County. Rep. Allison Tant asked the committee to consider taking up the matter and making a formal request for the audit. On Dec. 11, 2023, Rep. Tant, and others, including members and former members of the Greenville Town Council testified before the JLAC. After hearing from Rep. Tant and the Greenville citizens, the JLAC voted unanimously to formally request the audit.
For several months, the Auditor General’s office combed through stacks of documents, receipts, etc. The findings serve to confirm a cloud of doubt and suspicion that has hung over the town council for many years. Members of the JLAC, when making their recommendation, stated the audit would hopefully bring to light changes that need to be made and help remove that cloud of doubt. After their work was done, the auditors commended the current Town Council and staff for the high level of cooperation given to the auditors, pointing out that Greenville had been one of the better communities with whom they had worked.
In the extensive, 64-page report, the auditors provided a list of “31 preliminary and tentative audit findings and recommendations.” Some of the recommendations given by the auditors have already been implemented by the town through the passages of ordinances and updating policies and procedures.
“Since the audit began in March [of] 2024, the Town Council has already adopted seven new town policies in response to findings by the auditors, specifically aimed at strengthening accountability, improving transparency and ensuring compliance with state law,” said Greenville Mayor Ryan Kornegay in a statement released on Friday, July 25. “These reforms include comprehensive updates to our procurement process, financial controls, inventory management, grant oversight and ethics. Each of these policies reflects our commitment to good governance and responsible stewardship of public resources.
“We recognize that Greenville has faced challenges in the past but are confident that brighter days are ahead. This audit does not define who we are - it reminds us of where we have been and underscores the importance of continuing the progress we have made. Our community is strong and united, and we are moving forward.
“The Town of Greenville wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to State Representative Allison Tant, whose request for the audit helped shine a light on necessary reforms. We also wish to thank State Senator Corey Simon for his ongoing support and steadfast assistance to the Town.”
In a statement released on social media, Rep. Tant vowed to forward the audit findings to law enforcement for criminal investigation of possible violations of state law, especially surrounding apparent misuse of public funds for personal purposes.
Greene Publishing, Inc. will publish a series of articles addressing issues raised in the extensive audit report. The full audit report can be found on the Town of Greenville’s website at mygreenvillefl.com.