State audit to examine spending, fuel card use at Bellflower Fire District

The Missouri State Auditor's Office has launched an audit of the Bellflower Fire Protection District following concerns raised by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office regarding the possible misuse of taxpayer funds.

State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick announced Friday, Aug. 7, that the audit will examine whether district funds were improperly used, including allegations of inappropriate purchases and the use of district fuel cards to buy fuel for personal vehicles.

According to Fitzpatrick, the State Auditor's Office conducted a preliminary review after receiving a request from the sheriff's office. That review found the complaints to be credible and identified several issues that could constitute improper government activity.

"We appreciate the efforts of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the work they did to investigate the issues with the Bellflower Fire Protection District and bring them to our attention," Fitzpatrick said in a statement. "Our own investigation identified potential issues with the misuse of district fuel cards as well as purchases that appear to be personal in nature. Our audit will now delve deeply into the operations of the district as we work to uncover any possible waste, fraud, or abuse."

Fitzpatrick said the audit is intended to provide taxpayers with a clearer understanding of how district funds are being spent and, if necessary, provide law enforcement with information that could support further action if criminal misconduct is identified.

The State Auditor's Office is encouraging anyone with information related to the Bellflower Fire Protection District to contact its Whistleblower Hotline at 800-347-8597, email moaudit@auditor.mo.gov, or submit information through the agency's online hotline.