Texas Comptroller office to assist in Elgin funding investigation

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After Gov. Greg Abbott opened an investigation into the city of Elgin’s funding allegations, acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock accepted a request from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to assist the Texas Rangers in the investigation. 

In a letter sent from Lt. Colonel Jason Taylor, a Law Enforcement Operations with DPS, the agency formally requested the "assistance of the Texas Comptroller's Office" to "provide assistance to the Texas Rangers in their investigation."

Hancock said in a Tuesday press release that the office "will fully support the Texas Rangers and use every tool at our disposal to ensure taxpayer dollars are protected and facts are brought to light."

"This assistance could encompass additional law enforcement support and/or subject matter experts in auditing public funds and accounts," the letter said.

On Oct. 30, Abbott directed the Texas Rangers to investigate the city over accusations of financial mismanagement. Abbott ordered the rangers to look into these allegations because of “accusations of chronic financial mismanagement, including inconsistent accounting practices and unreconciled bank accounts, in potential violation of multiple state laws,” Abbott said in part.

The city of Elgin said it would cooperate with the investigation, according to a KXAN report. However, an audit found no incidents of wrongdoing or missing funds. 

The city said, “Any issues discovered in the audits concerning accounting procedures are being addressed with current staff.” 

The investigation will look at Elgin’s budgeting processes and financial practices for any violations of state law. If any violations are found, charges will be brought to the appropriate authorities for further action.

“Texans expect honesty and accountability from every level of government,” Hancock said.