SAVANNAH, MO — A petition for the audit of the City of Savannah, signed by 417 citizens, was been delivered to the Missouri State Auditor’s office in October. State authorities accepted 356 signatures as valid on the petition — enough for the state to initiate the audit process. Savannah businessman David Crane is identified as the chief petitioner. A cover letter which was included in the petition accused multiple city government administrations of “wanton disregard for the legal and intended use” of city funds. Petitioners contend that restricted utility and street funds were used for other purposes not properly authorized by the local governing body. The petition charges that gas tax funds were used to purchase water meters and questions the transfer of park funds to city general funds. Accusations also point to co-mingling of funds and establishing new funds to do away with accounts that were carrying negative balances and repeated un-allowed transfers as well as utilization of gas tax funds to make water bond payments in November and December of 2011. City officials point to independent audits that have been used to rectify any fund problems; the city also has hired a new accounting firm to review city finances and make recommendations for changes. State authorities say the petition process most probably will be lengthy.
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