Daytona Beach Investigates Improper Use of City Credit Cards
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DAYTONA BEACH,Fla. – A Daytona Beach City Commissioner is raising concerns about city credit card spending. The city auditor is currently investigating the use of city purchasing cards, also known as P-Cards, and the city’s overall spending policy.
What You Need To Know
- Daytona Beach is investigating improper use of city purchasing cards (P-Cards).
- Commissioner Stacy Cantu alleges contractors and non-city employees charged expenses against policy.
- The auditor will review transactions for compliance with city policies.
Concerns Raised by Commissioner Cantu
During the November 5th city commission meeting, Commissioner Stacy Cantu stated that contractors and non-city employees had used the city-issued P-Cards for expenses that violate city policy. These alleged expenses include meals, shopping, and cell phone bills.
“When a contractor needs something, they put a purchase order in, and then they get reimbursed; they should not have access to the city money,” cantu explained during the meeting.
The Investigation
The city auditor’s office is now reviewing P-Card transactions to determine if they comply with established city policies.The scope of the investigation includes examining who had access to the cards and whether the purchases made were legitimate and authorized.
What are P-Cards?
Purchasing cards (P-Cards) are essentially credit cards issued to city employees and, in some cases, contractors, to streamline small purchases. They are intended for efficient transactions, reducing the need for lengthy purchase order processes. However, strict policies are crucial to prevent misuse.
Potential policy Violations
According to Cantu, the improper use of P-Cards represents a significant breach of trust and a potential misuse of public funds. She emphasized that contractors should submit purchase orders for reimbursement rather than directly charging expenses to city credit cards.
Looking Ahead
The outcome of the auditor’s investigation will determine the next steps. Potential consequences for policy violations could include repayment of funds, restrictions on future city contracts, and revisions to the city’s P-Card policy. The city commission is expected to receive a report on the findings in the coming weeks.
Key Takeaways
- The City of Daytona Beach is actively investigating potential misuse of city purchasing cards.
- Commissioner Cantu believes contractors should not have direct access to city funds through P-Cards.
- The auditor’s report will be crucial in determining the extent of the problem and appropriate corrective actions.
Published: 2025/11/19 01:58:17