Louisiana auditor finds audit reveals misappropriation of funds

More than $100,000 in public funds has been misappropriated from the town of Cullen, according to findings from a recent state audit discussed during a tense town meeting Monday night.
 
The new assistant town clerk told residents auditors discovered the misuse of funds and questioned how a $369,000 grant was spent. Portions of the grant had been used for employee bonuses and supplemental pay, but state auditors found discrepancies significant enough to trigger a formal review by officials in Baton Rouge.
 
The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office confirmed to KTBS an investigative audit is underway. No timeline was given for its completion.
 
Added to the town’s woes are the recent resignations of town clerk Dominque Parish and town attorney Michael Kelly, with Kelly citing his unpaid invoices as the reason.
 
“The town is not broke,” the assistant clerk said. “All employees are up to date on their paychecks, including police officers, maintenance workers, and town staff.”
 
Mayor Terry Hoof assured residents the town remains financially stable, though the investigation is ongoing. In a separate interview Wednesday, Hoof said he could not comment on specifics; he's still gathering information to present to the council. 
 
The misappropriation issue prompted renewed calls from citizens Monday night for transparency and accountability in town operations.
 
The assistant clerk said the auditors approved what she could tell citizens at the meeting. At one point, she said she wanted to share more for “transparency;” however, a man in the audience cautioned her to not go beyond what auditors told her she could say.