Outside audit of contract necessary, essential

Much has been said about the proposed audit of the city of Spokane Valley’s contract with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department to provide police services to our citizens. I would like to put the conversation in a relevant frame of reference.

A few years ago our citizens overwhelmingly voted in favor of Initiative 900. This initiative requires audits of state, county and city governments to assure the entities are spending your money efficiently while providing the highest level of service possible.

The state auditor is tasked to perform these audits. In my opinion, Initiative 900 clearly states it is essential outside agencies conduct these audits to insure the information is unbiased and provides the most transparent proof the study contains no effort to hide pertinent facts.

In this case appearance of fairness ensures the credibility of the product. (You can read what this initiative states by going to the state of Washington Web site at www.access.wa.gov and typing in Initiative 900 in the search engine box.) Your City Council agrees with the concept of an independent audit and voted last Tuesday to authorize the funds to hire an outside agency to conduct the audit.

We have told our city manager what we want the audit to cover and invited the sheriff and, of course, our chief of police to comment and make suggested changes to our agreed-upon items of coverage. They participated with significant and helpful comments and suggestions. Your City Council is trying to fulfill our role of financial oversight of the largest single program funded by our general fund. In the past five years we have expended more than $75 million of your taxes to provide law enforcement. It is obvious we view law enforcement as one of the most important obligations we are tasked to accomplish.

During this past five years we have not initiated an audit of our contract. Doesn’t it make sense that we make sure we are spending your taxes wisely? I suggest it is not only prudent, but absolutely essential we provide this oversight action.

It does not mean we or the community are dissatisfied by the level of service we are currently receiving. The truth is the council and our community believes we are receiving excellent service. However, any professional will tell you valid suggestions on how to improve service or information that affirms current levels of service hit the mark are welcomed.

This audit is necessary, and I believe will benefit the efficient delivery of law enforcement services.