Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island

Banks are audited once a year, but it is rare for small cities to scrutinize their money handling. More often than not, their finances should be examined annually for waste, fraud, and "loose" accounting procedures. Fernandina Beach being no exception, it is good to read that Dale Martin, our new City Manager, inadvertently opened up what will undoubtedly prove to be a City wide Pandora's box of financial laxity as a result of examining Parks and Recreation disposal of funds collected. It appears that a forensic review of the City's money procedures will now ensue. In Venice, where I moved from, a tightening of procedures saved quite a bit of money. It was amusing to see how many employees turned in their City car keys before an accounting of their gas usage forced them to do so, due to their sudden realization that they were using vehicles they were not entitled to. And they could, alas, no longer bring in their personal cars for free servicing by the City. Even educational field trips were not ignored, with employees suddenly able to share transportation instead of taking their individual City cars to drive a hundred miles or so.It was even found that relevant work publications could be circulated without it being necessary for each worker to receive his/her own subscription when it was pointed out that in many offices a circulation sheet could be attached to a publication, and once read , the publication shared with other employees. Among the biggest savings in Venice was the elimination of lifetime (!) medical insurance for Council members. This was one I worked on with others, diligently collecting signatures during the hottest months of the year. What goes around, comes around. I am following the activities at City Hall with a distinct sense of deja vu. Sincerely, Rosemary Vauzanges Amelia Park