Fort Thomas Residents Demand Accountability Amid Financial Concerns

Residents of Fort Thomas gathered in large numbers for a City Council meeting on October 23, 2023, to voice their concerns regarding the city’s financial management. This meeting followed a special finance committee session on September 30, which revealed significant accounting discrepancies totaling over $322,000. Community members expressed their dissatisfaction and urged for immediate action to address these issues.

Among those who spoke was Nicole Utz, who began monitoring the city’s expenditures after the One Highland Development project. Utz presented over 100 pages of documents during her address, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. “We’re on this trajectory that if we don’t get our finances straight in the next five to ten years, we’re going to be in serious trouble,” she stated. Utz called for a forensic accounting audit to be conducted without delay.

Other residents, such as Tiffany Huber, raised concerns about the city’s communication regarding its financial troubles. Huber remarked, “You might not have all the information, but I think you build trust and confidence with the community if you share with them what’s going on.” She noted the considerable time and effort that residents have invested in trying to assist the city with its financial issues.

Community member Joan Ferris emphasized the need for decisive action. “Let’s start to put this financial train wreck back on its tracks,” she urged. “It’s time to step up, and if stepping up means stepping down, then it’s time for that discussion.”

In response to the call for transparency, several residents suggested that the city regularly post updates to its general ledger. The city administration has indicated that it will begin doing so on a monthly basis. Ben Pendery, a council member and chair of the finance committee, highlighted the importance of the audit in alleviating public concerns. “I would much rather be in the position we are in right now and have this audit to eliminate these concerns so that we can make the corrections,” Pendery stated. He expressed a commitment to ensuring the community is on a better path moving forward.

To further address the financial findings, the city has scheduled a special council meeting for October 29, 2023, at 09:00 and a finance committee meeting on November 5, 2023, at 09:00. These meetings aim to discuss the next steps following the recent audit revelations.

As Fort Thomas residents continue to demand greater accountability, the outcomes of these upcoming meetings will likely shape the city’s financial future.