State releases findings on City of McAlester finances after citizen petition

An audit of the City of McAlester released Friday found the local school district failed to document more than $1 million in spending from city sales tax revenue, according to the state auditor's office.

The investigation wasn't started by politicians. It was launched after residents of McAlester submitted a citizen-petition, demanding accountability and transparency from their city government.

State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd initiated the special audit after her office received a citizen-petition request from residents. Byrd said auditors did not determine the district misused any funds, but rather that it 'simply failed to maintain proper documentation.'

McAlester Public Schools could not provide documentation for over $1 million in spending. The money came from city sales tax revenue intended for the district.

The report also noted that the city failed to fulfill six of 44 open records requests in a timely manner and lacked financial guidelines for its "Share with a Neighbor" program. She characterized the violations as "relatively minor" and said they are fixable by implementing basic accounting procedures.

The audit provides a roadmap for the City of McAlester and the school district to improve their financial controls and transparency. The power is now with local officials to implement these recommendations.

Want to see all the details for yourself? The full audit can be read below: