RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. (WCHS) — A state audit highly critical of the city of Ravenswood’ bookkeeping practices is raising financial concerns for some of the people who live there.
Some residents are concerned a review triggered by possible financial irregularities at the Ravenswood Development Authority are a sign of more serious financial problems.
The audit indicates the city lacked adequate oversight, records and sometimes did not use the internal controls it had to keep track of finances in fiscal year 2023.
“After going through the audit by the state, I am deeply concerned about the viability of this town from a financial standpoint going forward,” Ravenswood resident Kip Price said.
Price and his small watchdog group which included a certified public accountant are worried about $10 million in bonded debt and the attitudes the led to a lack of oversight cited in the audit.
“When I see an audit, I see a way to make things better and the people that don’t like what you’re doing or don’t like you at all. They’re going to see what they want to see,” Mayor Josh Miller said. “At the end of the day, the truth eventually reveals itself.”
Ravenswood’s mayor said problems traced to the now-closed Ravenswood Development Authority were eliminated when it was shut down.
Former councilwoman Denise Toler, who led the authority, has been accused of embezzlement and forgery of documents by city officials, but was never charged with anything.
State troopers indicated they obtained a search warrant for the auditor’s office in connection with investigation. The auditor’s office told Eyewitness News it can’t comment on ongoing investigations or confirm they’ve turned over information to the Jackson County Prosecutor.
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