The company hired to perform a forensic audit into the city of Port Arthur’s finances has established an anonymous hotline as an investigative tool designed to streamline the process.

BKD Forensic a & Valuation Services, a division of national CPA and advisory firm BKD. LLP, has established the toll free line, (855)858-3344 as part of its investigation into the city’s finances. Information can be also be submitted online at IntegraReport.com.

The company is asking that anyone with pertinent information about the city’s administration and activities, specifically those related to the the city’s Finance, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Human Resources departments, to either leave a message for the BKD forensics team by calling the toll free number or visiting the Web portal.

When making a report, those providing information will be asked to specify the city of Port Arthur and to include as much detail as possible, including the names and dates of those involved.

Any information provided is confidential.

BKD managing partner Jim Snyder said his company is hopeful members of the public, employees and former employees with relevant information will utilize the service.

“Our investigators will listen to and evaluate all information provided,” he said.

BKD was officially hired by the city in February to begin what is anticipated to be a three-year process of taking an in-depth look into the city’s finances.

The forensic audit has been implemented as the result of a petition drive initiated by residents concerned about the city’s finances.

The audit’s first phase will center on the Finance, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Human Resources departments.

In December 2015, the city implemented another anonymous fraud hotline for people to call if they have any information concerning suspected criminal activity or wrongdoing at the city level.

Reports can be made to the fraud hotline in the following ways: English speaking USA and Canada 844-703-0002 Spanish speaking USA and Canada: 800-216-1288 Website: www.lighthouse-services.com/portarthurtx E-mail: reports@lighthouse-services.com (must include company name with report.) Fax alternative for written documents: 215-689-3885 (must include company name with report.)

E-mail: sherry.koonce@panews.com

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