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Indio's use of taxpayer-funded credit cards has raised questions before.
In January 2006, city officials released an audit that showed 18 areas where accounting standards needed to be tightened. That included a notation that receipts were not always included with card statements, making it difficult for the city to determine if a charge was valid.
The following year, the auditor did not include any reportable conditions.
Still, the City Council in 2006 formed a subcommittee to review the issues raised in the audit — including Indio's credit card policy.
Councilwoman Melanie Fesmire was one of two council members on the subcommittee. Former councilman Mike Wilson, a frequent critic of the city's spending habits, was the other.
“2006. Wow. I can't remember doing it,” Fesmire told The Desert Sun last week. “I don't remember being on the committee. I don't remember the audit frankly. If we met, I assume we came out with a report. I don't recall any of it frankly.”
Wilson told The Desert Sun the subcommittee never met.
Fesmire said council regularly reviews the Indio Water Authority's expenses, but said she has not seen other statements beyond those on her card.
“Of course, everything is a concern at this time,” Fesmire, the former mayor, said of today's economic conditions.
“We're concerned about all of our expenses. I'm not aware specifically of those charges.”
