Cedar Hills postpones audit

Probe » Cost and how far back to go two reasons for delay.

By donald w. meyers

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published May 08 2012 07:19 pm • Last Updated May 09 2012 11:25 pm

Cedar Hills • City officials are taking more time before launching an audit in the wake of Mayor Eric Richardson’s legal problems.

The City Council voted Tuesday to continue discussion for a week on authorizing a forensic audit. Council Chairwoman Stephanie Martinez said the city will use the additional time to determine the cost and extent of the probe and solicit bids from firms to do the work.

Richardson and his business partner, Christopher D. Hales, are facing civil charges from the federal Commodities Futures Trading Commission, which alleges that Richardson and Hales used investor funds for personal expenses.

The announcement came at the same time City Manager Konrad Hildebrandt, City Recorder Kim Holindrake and Building Official Bradley Kearl were asked to resign or be fired.

The audit would look primarily at the past two years of Richardson’s term, but Councilman Gary Gygi said Richardson had limited access to city funds. He said spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on an audit that will most likely find no wrongdoing didn’t seem fiscally prudent.

Councilman Scott Jackman said the audit should be expanded by one year, given that some residents have alleged that Hildebrandt misappropriated city funds in connection with the construction of the new clubhouse/recreation center at the city’s golf course.

The Utah County Attorney’s Office looked into the allegations and found no criminal wrongdoing.

The council’s next regular meeting is May 15.

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