Wedowee Utility Board: New Leadership, Tighter Oversight

0:00It's April 6th. This is Birmingham News today, AI-powered stories from your city. A state forensic audit just wrapped up on the Weddaway Utility Board after a local report spotted bookkeeping red flags. The board's chairman, Barry Waldrup, says they've ramped up oversight with their new executive director, Randy Benefield, to clean up finances and boost transparency. Now the duo is digging into costs, tallying up debts that were murky before, and eyeing ways to save cash without jacking up rates too much. Over time pay hit $147,000 last year, so they're tracking every hour closely while keeping employees safe on the job. Locals and leaders are rallying around the fixes, with Waldrup and Benefield stressing their hometown routes and commitments to customers. They want efficient operations through solid policies and multiple checks, making sure rate-payer money goes further amid past money woes. The Alabama Attorney General's Office is still probing for any ethics or criminal issues

1:00since utility boards often fly under the radar with minimal. State rules on funds. Waldrup pushes for stronger laws to guide these groups better. With these steps in place, the board dodged a bankruptcy scare that loomed months ago, and they're optimistic about steady service and fair rates. Moving forward...