00;00;00;04 - 00;00;26;21
Thomas Ouellette
The council voted earlier this month to impose stronger internal controls for the clerk treasurer's office. That's after an audit from the Indiana State Board of Accounts found Alexandria had improperly used and recorded funds, including overstating the city's debt by more than $800,000. During Tuesday night's meeting, Alexandria City Attorney Chou-il Lee voiced concern that the city has been recently using general fund money that hasn't been appropriated earmarked for a special purpose.

00;00;26;21 - 00;00;30;02
Thomas Ouellette
As all councils in Indiana must do before spending money.

00;00;30;04 - 00;00;50;04
Chou-il Lee
This council need to go forth and take action on every dollar that is appropriated and spent. You've got to move it into one of the five major budget categories and have a public hearing and vote on an appropriation. Just because there may be a balance in something does not mean that that can be spent without this council's approval, and appropriation.

00;00;50;06 - 00;01;03;19
Thomas Ouellette
Lee says the council also has funds with negative balances which can't be used to pay bills. When asked about the various funds, Alexandria Clerk Treasurer Darcy Van Herman says she's been paying the city's bills.

00;01;03;21 - 00;01;05;28
Darcy VanErmann
With the money that's in the bank.

00;01;06;00 - 00;01;14;25
Thomas Ouellette
The confusion led the council to hold a special public meeting at a later date to continue looking into the matter. I'm Thomas Ouellette in Alexandria.