Citizen petition requests state audit of City of Willard

Cites actions of disgraced alderman Hendrickson as reason for concern, audit justification
While he was employed at Prime, Inc. as fleet manager, former Willard alderman Corey Hendrickson used his position to embezzle almost $300,000 from 500 drivers over a period of five years; he was the mayor of Willard at the time. On Oct. 23, 2023, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in federal court and will be sentenced on Monday, Aug. 26.
As a result of Hendrickson’s actions, Willard residents Angie Wilson and Megan Applegate are circulating a petition for a state audit of the city. Wilson said they are circulating the petition because the Willard Board of Alderman hasn’t acted on the requests of city residents to have one conducted.
“Interest in a petition audit stems from former mayor and alderman Corey Hendrickson’s guilty plea to identity theft and fraud charges committed at his employer Prime, Inc., during his three terms as mayor of Willard,” said Wilson. “Numerous residents have requested the board of aldermen initiate a state audit, but the board has not taken it to a vote. So, the residents are taking on the task in order to restore trust in city government.”
Expense of audit justified; Wilson says
The audit could cost up to $125,000, but Wilson said Hendrickson’s actions at Prime justifies the expense.
“The cost of a state audit is significant, but the cost of mistrust of city government is even greater,” she said. “We are asked often why we feel an audit is necessary. We believe the better question is why would anyone not feel an audit is necessary? Hendrickson was systematically defrauding his employer for the same six years he served as Willard mayor. To pretend that he could not have done something wrong at the City of Willard is naive and irresponsible. Citizens deserve the chance to restore confidence in city government through a thorough independent audit.”
Applegate and Wilson started the petition in February and are required to get 386 signatures that can be verified before the audit can begin. Wilson said that she is confident that they will reach that goal.
“Several people are acquiring signatures, so the number changes daily. We have had a tremendous response to the audit and expect to complete it. (We) have spent two days at the polls collecting signatures, and (we) plan to be present at the Willard polls on August 6.”
Wilson said audit would also help restore faith in local government
An audit, Wilson added, would go a long way to restore trust in the city government.
“A state audit by the Missouri State Auditor will examine the city’s internal controls over significant management and financial functions; the city’s compliance with certain legal provisions; and the economy and efficiency of certain management practices and procedures, including financial transactions.”
Wilson also said that citizens should not confuse the state audit with the audit performed by the city each year.
“This audit will not duplicate the annual independent audit the city already engages,” she said. “That audit examined the city’s financial statements. A state audit by the Missouri State auditor will examine the city’s internal controls over significant management and financial functions; the city’s compliance with certain legal provisions; and the economy and efficiency of certain management practices and procedures, including financial transactions.”
Additionally, she said, many Willard residents have expressed a desire to see an audit conducted.
“We have had dozens of in-person conversations with residents,” she said, “many of whom expressed strong feelings about the importance of an audit following Hendrickson’s guilty plea to federal charges. Many residents express a lack of trust in city government, and an eagerness to make sure the city is conducting business correctly.”
For her part, Applegate said the audit should be conducted in accordance with wishes of the city’s residents.
“Willard deserves an open and transparent government,” she said. “Residents have voiced their belief that increased transparency and openness in our local government operations are crucial for the well-being and best interests of our community. It is imperative that we prioritize these values to ensure trust and accountability, fostering a stronger, more engaged and collaborative community for all. Let’s move the city of Willard forward by clearing any doubt in residents’ minds.”
No indication people want audit, says Smith
However, Troy Smith, the newly elected mayor of Willard, said he did not believe that the cost of audit was justified and had little indication that Willard’s citizens wanted one.
“The board has not shown an appetite to go forward with the petition due to the cost,” he said. “And for myself individually as an alderman, and as far as the mayor, I have received little to no request by residents to move forward with the audit. I’ve asked Angie Wilson several times what the status of the petition was and how many signatures they have received, and she has never given me a number.”
Smith also said that the petition was the better way to justify an audit.
“My position is that if that’s something that people want to spend up to $100,000 for, then the petition process is a good mechanism to accomplish that,” he said.
For those wanting more information on the petition, Wilson said it was available by joining the Facebook page “City of Willard - Citizen Group.”