Thursday, May 13, 2010

San Bernardino Grand jury answers call to probe Victorville's finances

May 11, 2010 3:18 PM
BROOKE EDWARDS AND NATASHA LINDSTROM Staff Writers

VICTORVILLE • Four months after Victorville City Council asked the grand jury for help conducting an independent investigation into the city’s finances, it appears the citizen watchdog group has stepped up to the plate.

In a rare move, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved paying $195,000 to Michael Kessler & Associates Ltd. to provide the 2009-10 grand jury with forensic accounting services.

In the past two decades, county spokesman David Wert said he can only recall two or three such requests by the grand jury. And he said it’s been at least five years since the grand jury requested additional funding for any purpose.

“I think it’s a positive sign that they’re moving forward on my request,” Victorville Councilman Ryan McEachron said.

McEachron said he’s not counting on getting the results of the forensic audit back before the current grand jury issues its annual report on June 30, with the investigation expected to take some time.

Instead McEachron said he imagines the current grand jury wanted to get funds in place and get the ball rolling before handing the reigns over to the next 19 jury members, who’ll take the helm July 1.


Brooke Edwards may be reached at (760) 955-5358 or at bedwards@VVDailyPress.com.

Natasha Lindstrom may be reached at (760) 951-6232 or at nlindstrom@VVDailyPress.com.


http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/victorville-19223-probe-answers.html

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