[Baltimore Sun] Baltimore needs to better monitor spending | READER COMMENTARY
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In the recent article, “Baltimore pours millions into youth fund that lacks routine auditing” (Sept. 14), it is observed that the Baltimore City Children and Youth Fund administered by the Associated Black Charities has not been audited since 2019. To be fair, it is not part of the city government. However, it is funded by 3 cents of every $100 of assessed property in perpetuity. That is no excuse for a lack of accountability. First, why does the city provide funding for a project with no expectation of an audit and the receipt of an annual report on the effectiveness of these tax dollars in helping our youngsters?
Additionally, Bill Henry, the city comptroller, states that he does not support the use of an outside auditor for this if he has the money to support additional auditors for the city. Let’s think about this. The city could engage an outside auditor for the project or hire an additional city auditor. As the comptroller, I would think Henry would want to save money for the city. Thus, would hiring an additional city auditor for an annual salary plus benefits be cheaper than hiring an outside auditor to do the job? Is the comptroller trying to expand his fiefdom?
As taxpayers, we want to know that our tax dollars are being spent wisely. Mayor Brandon Scott should want our tax dollars to be spent effectively. Where are the controls?
— Louise Laurence, Baltimore
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