Possible theft of Baldwin funds to be investigated

Baldwin’s mayor and aldermen entered into an executive session Thursday regarding possible missing public funds.
Legal counsel Joseph Tabb said after the board resumed in regular session that a forensic accountant should be secured “to investigate whether or not there are indeed some missing funds from the Town of Baldwin.”
He also suggested contacting the Louisiana State Police “to see if they have any resources available that they can lend to this effort. Right now it’s under investigation by the sheriff’s department.”
No further details regarding the allegedly missing funds were discussed in open session.
In other business Thursday, board member Margaret “Faye” Coleman announced that the beautification committee will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the community center. She also noted that official notification letters regarding abandoned property are being mailed by town officials.
Coleman also invited residents to attend with concerns or input about the abandoned property initiative.
She also questioned the duties and responsibilities of the town parks director, a matter which was turned over the board’s recreation committee for possible development of policies and rules regarding use of the park by private individuals on a fee-based basis.
Also Thursday, the board approved an amendment to the 2014-15 fiscal budget and also a proposed 2015-16 budget.
The town has faced revenue shortfalls and rising expenses over the past few years, resulting in state legislative auditor intervention in 2014.
Financial calculations on both budgets are:
—2014-15 adopted budget: $60,400 deficit.
—Amended 2014-15 actual deficit: $322,096.
—Projected 2014-15 fund balance with amendments: $222,932 deficit.
—Proposed 2015-16 budget fund balance deficit: $160,959.