WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS W.Va (WVDN) – On Tuesday, September 23, the White Sulphur Springs City Council met in a special session.
It was announced at the meeting that the purpose was to discuss some financial issues that were discovered. The council then went into executive session. After coming out of the executive session, Mayor Thomas Taylor gave a statement on everything discussed and the plan of action.
The mayor started out by saying that they had undertaken a review of the city’s health, and what was discovered demanded immediate attention. Taylor went on to say they were led to believe the City Council was under a spending freeze imposed by the previous mayor, which would have been effective from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2025. Taylor explained that information formed the basis of every decision and every budget discussion the council had. He went on to say it’s since been learned that wasn’t the case.
According to Taylor, the financial reports provided by the term were both inaccurate and often incomplete. Taylor said, “Let me be clear, to come before you tonight and tell you our town is financially sound would be a lie.” Taylor said the funds were approved by decree rather than by vote, and that the system of checks and balances broke down, resulting in lost accountability. “The result is a budget shortfall that jeopardizes services to our residents, which they rely upon and threatens the reputation of White Sulphur Springs as a steward of public resources,“ Taylor stated.
He went on to say, “My first duty as Mayor is to protect this city and to inform you of its condition. Therefore, immediately I am declaring a spending freeze. No office may spend funds unless expressly approved by myself and this council. Effective immediately, I am imposing a hiring freeze. We cannot commit to a payroll obligation until we fully understand the scope of our liabilities.“
Taylor went on to explain that they would take steps of auditing and reconciliation with an independent auditor to go over every account, every line item, over the last 5 years. Taylor said they would present preliminary findings to the finance committee and the city council with a financial report as soon as it’s available. Taylor said he will schedule regular monthly meetings for progress reports. He said progress will also be posted to the website in clear, understandable language.
Taylor wants to strengthen the role of the finance committee as the first line of review for all expenditures. He is proposing changes to the charter to require dual signatures for all expenditures over a certain threshold.
Taylor said, “There is no responsible path forward that doesn’t start with honesty and discipline.“
“Once we have a clear picture of our finances, we can restore normal operations, invest in infrastructure, and plan for the future with confidence.“
The mayor was given permission to liquidate two CDs into operating expenses totaling $100,000 to keep funds moving.
