The State Auditor’s Office is pleased overall with efforts by the Monarch Fire Protection Districtin Chesterfield to implement changes recommended in a recent audit.
In February, Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich (R) gave the Monarch Fire District a “C,” in part for its early retirement incentives package that violated the State Constitution. Spokesman for the Auditor’s office, Spence Jackson, says their recommendations there have yet to be implemented.
“They told us that that’s not something that they’re going to have to deal with again for another couple of years," Jackson said. "But they did indicate that they would apply more due diligence with how future retirement incentives are handled, and we’re pleased with that.”
Jackson says the district has also stopped the practice of bidding out legal services without written agreements, and has begun following the Sunshine Law regarding open and closed minutes. Monarch also came under fire for spending $26,000 on an awards banquet.
“We feel like that they have taken our recommendations seriously and are moving forward in a positive direction, so that if we ever come back there, these won’t be problem areas again," Jackson said.
Monarch Fire District officials have yet to respond to requests for a comment.