Wilmington’s Mayor Dennis Williams calls for citywide audit

Trying to stop fraud and waste in Wilmington, Mayor Dennis Williams has launched a thorough audit targeting city operations.

For the past few weeks, City Auditor Earl Jeter has been interviewing department heads and division directors.  What he found showed the need for a more thorough examination of how the city is run.  “There were circumstances relating to vendors, city purchases, time and attendance, which warranted the need for thorough auditing procedures that include forensic,” Jeter said.  “We will conduct internal audits with proactive fraud examination components that will likely include outside forensic auditors and the City of Wilmington Law Department.” 

As part of this effort to reduce fraud and waste, the city’s audit department is setting up an improved Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline.  The current line allows residents to report fraud, but starting later this year, city residents will be able to submit ideas to the hotline to prevent abuse and fraud.

“I have zero tolerance for waste, fraud, misappropriation of funds, and any other acts that violate that trust,” said Mayor Williams.  “This audit will go a long way in assuring that we are running not only a tight ship, but most importantly, a clean ship.”

The toll free fraud hotline can be accessed by residents and city employees at 1-877-217-4670.

In addition, Mayor Williams has also scheduled a series of town hall meetings to get input from Wilmingtonians.  The first will be on April 1 at the Police Athletic League at 3707 N. Market Street.  On April 2, the Mayor will meet with residents at the Quaker Hill Meeting House at 401 N. West Street.  The third town hall will be held on April 3 at the Latin American Community Center at 301 N. Harrison Street.  The final meeting will be held at the Walnut Street YMCA at 1000 N. Walnut Street.  All meetings will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.