Auditor Finds Waste and Fine Rides at City Hall

State Auditor Susan Montee has released her much anticipated review of St. Louis City Hall and the Board of Aldermen.

Among its findings, the audit questioned the use of two sedans purchased in April 2007 for Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed and St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Sharon Quigley Carpenter. The make or model of the sedans is not included in the audit findings posted online.

The cars each came with a sticker price of $25,567 and included heated leather steering wheels, heated front driver and passenger seats, luxury packages and comfort and convenience packages.

“Many of these options appear unnecessary and would add to the price of the vehicle, and the city should consider adopting a policy to limit vehicle options to those considered reasonable and necessary,” noted the audit.

Montee’s office also found that the Reed used his city-owned vehicle for personal use and did not maintain vehicle usage logs to document official use of the vehicle.

"Without adequate usage logs, the board cannot effectively monitor that the vehicle is used only for official business," warned the auditor.

The report also noted that many aldermen applied for reimbursement for expenses that “do not appear to be prudent uses of taxpayer monies.”

The revelation that Reed drove a sedan outfitted with luxury options drives home the irony of this press announcement from June:

"President Lewis E. Reed to Commute to City Hall by Bicycle."

You have to wonder if the bike was also a luxury model.

You can read a full copy of the audits at the links below.
- Board of Aldermen
- Board of Public Service
- Department of Personnel
- Supply Division

-Chad Garrison