Internal audit investigates city council’s use of taxpayer-funded purchasing, gas cards

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso city auditors are looking into the use of taxpayer-funded purchasing cards.

City representatives are given gas and purchasing cards to use on work-related items. Now representative Art Fierro argues there are no checks and balances systems or policies to hold council members accountable in how they use these city-issued cards.

Fierro put two items on Tuesday's agenda, bringing up the discussion among all representatives.

The city says internal auditors are looking into how these cards are used by city officials. The committee taking over the investigation is FOAC (Financial Oversight and Audit Committee).

Officials say the gas and purchasing cards are meant for buying office supplies and gas. Officials say gas cards are charged to the city's general fund.

Mayor Oscar Leeser points out there used to be a $100 limit on the gas cards, however, that limit is no longer in place. Now the city wants to find out why that limit was removed.

Both items passed, directing the city manager to give each representative a monthly report on card usage, and to put a cap on unlimited cards.