Sometime in the past year, we received a copy of a State Audit (performed in 2001) in the mail annonomously. To prove its authenticity, the sender gave the website address of where it could be found online. Please see www.sao.state.ut.us/reports/01-639.PDF Especially note the City's response as made by Bountiful City Manager, Tom Hardy.
At the time that this was sent to us, there was an article in the Davis County Clipper regarding embezzlement of funds by a Bountiful City employee that had gone on for several years. Though we did not keep the letter, it did imply that had the recommendations of the audit been followed, the Bountiful City employee would have been thwarted or found out much sooner.
In the audit, of greater concern to us, was the State Auditor's Concluding Remarks...."management's response raises concerns about the control function established by management. Internal controls are designed to prevent inappropriate activities from occuring without detection. In the absence of good internal controls, we do not believe that management can claim inappropriate transactions do not occur."
It is is clear that the State Auditor had concerns about the financial controls or lack thereof at Bountiful City. It is also clear that the State Auditor had concerns about the attitude of the City Manager and his lack of desire in making changes to bring about the proper financial controls.
We believe that there are systemic problems at Bountiful City that need to be rectified, and that they start at the top, with Bounitful City Manager, Tom Hardy. He has been in this position for 25+ years, and a change needs to take place.
Your thoughts regarding this matter are welcome.
In June of 2004, power rates in Bountiful City were raised by 10% under the pretext that Lake Powell was low and Bountiful Power would have to buy power on the open market rather than the cheap rates that they obtain from the power generators at Lake Powell. Please see the following for what Tom Hardy, Bountiful City Manager had to say: http://tinyurl.com/luxdts
What is interesting is that Bountiful City kept taking monies from its Power Account and dumping it into the General Fund. How can that be if the rates were raised because Bounitful City needed to buy more power at higher prices? Also consider that it is now 2006 and Lake Powell water levels have risen dramatically, and cheap power from Lake Powell is once again in abundant supply. So where is the rate reduction?? Could it be that power rates were raised under false pretenses? Is it possible that the Power Fund is an easier way to raise taxes to the citizens of Bountiful City without having to explain it? We would love to hear from you.
Did you know that Tom Hardy, Bountiful City Manager, was appointed by then (1997) State of Utah Governor Mike Leavitt as the State Coordinator to the Olympics, to "Ensure the Olympics are financially successful." ? Please see: www.utah.gov/governorwalker/newsrels/1997/newsrel_072597.html
Were you aware that Hardy's resignation from this just started Olympic Coordinator position is what raised suspicions about SLOC finances? Please see weeklywire.com/ww/10-27-97/slc_story.html (search page for Hardy)
Hardy apparently folded under the pressure that then SLOC President Frank Joklik brought to bear. Elder John E Fowler, just released from the LDS Church's Second Quorum of Seventy, was appointed to the position vacated by Tom Hardy, to bring credibility to the position and help clean things up.