Wdowiasz: Discovery of 'Questionable Accounting Practices' Led to Closing of Treasurer's Office

The City of Dunkirk's top elected official says the sudden closing of the Treasurer's Office at City Hall was done to preserve documents contained within the office as part of an open and ongoing investigation by the New York State Comptroller's Office and the Chautauqua County District Attorney's Office. During Tuesday's Common Council meeting, Mayor Kate Wdowiasz said the discovery of "questionable accounting practices" was brought to light through new policies, procedures, and enhanced oversight measures she implemented in order to "safeguard" public funds...

Kate Wdowiasz: treating irregularities with the utmost seriousness

Wdowiasz says she is committed to transparency and accountability and will provide more details as the investigation progresses. She added that it highlights the need for the city to have new accounting practices and accounting software...

Kate Wdowiasz: need for new accounting practices and software

She says it's her priority to have the issue resolved quickly, and that she's "dedicated" to ensuring all steps are being taken to prevent any further instances of mishandling of city funds. The Treasurer's Office remains closed until further notice, with the entrance covered with yellow police tape.

Photo by Greg Larson; audio from Dunkirk Access