Burbank used same audit firm as Bell
A report from State Controller, John Chiang, reportedly found considerable problems with the audit of the city of Bell’s finances by Mayer Hoffman McCann — the same accounting firm that has done work for the city of Burbank.
In a news release last week Chiang said: “MHM appears to have been a rubber-stamp rather than a responsible auditor …” Today in a story posted on the Los Angeles Times website, Burbank City spokesman, Keith Sterling, said city officials relied on the accounting firm as a second set of eyes: ” Now that there are questions being brought up about this other set of eyes, we need to take a look at it.”
Sterling admits in the article that Burbank has paid that firm “close to $600,000 over the last five years.” The firm reportedly has over 150 municipal clients nationwide — most of them in California. So other cities, including Burbank, may find themselves in a situation very similar to that of the beleaguered Bell.
The Times’ article has more on Mayer Hoffman McCann, that state controller report, and how some local cities are reconsidering their business relationship with the firm.
Burbank Rose float kicks off city’s centennial celebration
Photo from http://www.burbankrosefloat.com — The Burbank 2011 Tournament of Roses Float
The New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses parade is fast approaching and that means work on the Burbank float is in high gear. The 2011 float is extra special because it celebrates the city’s centennial. You can read about the float’s development and construction on the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association website.
Also, Burbank’s Centennial Celebration will kick off with a send-off bash for the float on Friday, December 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be happening near the Metrolink Station under the Olive Avenue overpass. There will be food, entertainment and a countdown to New Year’s — East Coast time. For details call (818) 238-5290 or click here.
Burbank offering free sandbags
One storm is rolling out, but another is expected to arrive over the weekend. The ground is really soaked already — so for some city residents and businesses sandbags are a good precaution.
The sandbags are available, during the rainy season, over at the Public Works Field Services Yard, 124 South Lake Street, between Olive Avenue and Verdugo Avenue, behind Community Chevrolet. The normal hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, when I called over there today, Dave Uehlein told me the office would be closed on Friday, December 31, New Year’s Eve.
Also, Uehlein reiterated that the sandbags are for Burbank residents and businesses only and that it is best to “… call first” before driving over. The phone number (818) 238-3800.
