Residents Frustrated by Talala's Financial Issues, Police Chief Calls For Audit

Talala residents are calling for a major overhaul to the town to help fix what some say are significant financial problems.

Those problems could have a big impact on the police department.

A number of people voiced their frustration Tuesday, wanting the Board of Trustees and Treasurer to explain why Talala is having so much trouble keeping money in the bank.

A board member and the treasurer say they have been coming up with different numbers of just how much money is in the town’s account.

Many of the people at the meeting agreed that the town is in a tough spot financially and is spending more money than they are taking in.

One of the main focuses of Tuesday’s meeting was the police department budget – specifically, grant money and how it can or cannot be spent.

Police Chief Philip Coe is calling for a forensic audit of the entire budget and is suggesting ways to cut down on spending.

Board members and the mayor have also decided to stop taking a stipend, which would save the town about $3,600 per year.

Board members will now start working with the treasurer to get on the same page about where the town is financially.