The Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office says Shreveport Mayor Adrin Perkins took 23 trips totaling over $35 thousand dollars from 2019 to 2021, but $3 thousand dollars of that violated the City of Shreveport travel card policies and procedures.
Roger Harris, Assistant Legislative Auditor for Investigations says City policy requires Perkins to submit travel expenses within 30 days.
“In this particular case we found that we found that almost 70% of them were not completed until 31 to 101 days after travel,” said Harris.
Perkins made credit card payments without showing proof that everything was processed correctly. Harris says Shreveport has strict policies elected officials must abide by.
“Travelers upon their return should submit travel expense statements attaching all necessary receipts, and the approved request for travel forms,” said Harris
The audit was performed at the request of City Councilman John Nickelson who at the time was Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee. Perkins allegedly failed to provide itemized receipts for expenses with little description and purpose. Harris says Perkins was accountable and aware of his actions.
“The mayor for the most part didn’t disagree with what we put in the report they appreciate the fact that we brought it to their attention and they are going to make the appropriate corrections to make sure this doesn’t happen in the future,” said Harris.
Perkins says he’ll reimburse the city for all expenses that the audit shows may have violated travel and procurement policies and procedures.
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