New Bellevue council open to hearing about a performance audit
Mayor Donald Berkey, who campaigned on the idea, says the roughly $35,000 state review would give the city a third-party view.
Reversing the 2011 council’s stance, Bellevue’s new City Council is willing to hear from the Ohio Auditor of State’s office about a performance audit of city operations.
At the council’s first work session Monday night, Council President Karen Justice noted that Mayor Donald Berkey wants the audit, which was one of his campaign issues. “You’re getting a third-party point of view,” Berkey said. Asked about cost, he said it would be about $35,000. “We have the money to pay for it.” Returning Councilwoman Rose Mary Nascone said she moved for a performance audit in 2011, but the motion died for lack of a second.
Five of the six sitting members are new. One seat is vacant after the death of 2nd Ward Councilman Mark T. Brooks Sr. The session introduced the new members to how city government works and to their committee assignments.
What happened next: council approved the audit. About the program: Ohio Auditor of State. Background: the 2011 mayor’s race. More in Local News.