CEO Linda Mielke, who was hired in 2004 after the audit period, said in the October 6 Indianapolis Star that the credit-card policy had been changed two years ago and the library was implementing a plan to hire an outside auditing firm. “The library board has moved swiftly in response to the issues raised in the audit,” she said, “revising policies where needed and bringing library practices into compliance as recommended.”
The audit uncovered $139,274 in credit-card charges without adequate supporting documentation and $62,628 in payments lacking any receipts or invoices. According to the report, “Payments without supporting documentation may be the personal obligation of the responsible official or employee.” The audit has been referred to the Indiana attorney general’s office, which will try to collect the funds.
Jackie Nytes, IMCPL chief financial officer from 1998 to 2001, told the Star that library officials became more relaxed about credit-card use as part of an effort to avoid micromanaging.
Posted October 8, 2004.