State Audit Finds Debt, Poor Oversight In City Of Maywood

MAYWOOD (AP) — A state audit concludes the tiny Los Angeles County city of Maywood faces significant financial problems that threaten its ability to provide services to its residents.

State Auditor Elaine Howle says in a report released Monday that Maywood is saddled with debt totaling $15 million — more than twice its annual operating costs — and lacks a plan to repay it.

The report faults city leaders for poor management and oversight and for inhibiting transparency by repeatedly violating the state's open meeting law.

Howle makes a number of recommendations including strengthening controls over procurement and maximizing available revenue sources. She also outlined a debt repayment plan.

Maywood, a city of about 27,000, is just southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

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