Kaplan Audit Cites Some Problems

KAPLAN, La. (AP) — An audit of the city of Kaplan cites several problems, including use of the city's credit card for personal purchases by the mayor and, for a second year in a row, the purchase of equipment by the police department without proof of bids.

The Advertiser reports the Louisiana Legislative Auditor's Office released the independent audit Monday for the fiscal year that ended June 30.

The auditors cited one instance in 2013 in which $10,000 in equipment was purchased for the police department without obtaining quotes or bids.

Mayor Kirk Champagne, in the management's corrective-action plan within the audit, said he will not allow the city to pay invoices from the police chief for goods or services above $9,999 without proper documentation.

Champagne said he self-reported the incident involving the credit card.