Audit Raises Alarming Questions Over $39 Million Coachella Valley Animal Services Budget

The Roggin Report, presented by The Living Desert, dove deep into the Coachella Valley Animal Services budget, uncovering alarming issues. With $39 million allocated for operations and $9.8 million designated for the Thousand Palms campus, Fred Roggin and forensic accountant Chauncey Thompson examined discrepancies that challenge transparency and accountability. One glaring issue? Vendor data. Significant portions of spending lack corresponding vendor information, making it impossible to trace where public funds were allocated. “If there’s no vendor name or ID number, how do we know where the money was spent?” Roggin asked during the segment. Chauncey Thompson, CEO of Barton CPA and a show contributor, reviewed the documents obtained by the Roggin Report team. His analysis revealed sloppy accounting practices. “Numbers don’t tie together, vendor information is incomplete, and in some cases, income may be unreported,” Thompson explained. “For public spending, this level of disorganization is unacceptable.” The report highlighted payments such as $50,000 to consultant Kristen Ha, $160,000 to management consulting, and other unaccounted-for expenses totaling $210,000. These funds, Roggin argued, could have been redirected toward animal care. Manny Perez, a county supervisor, promised a third-party audit, but its findings remain undisclosed. In the meantime, the Roggin Report has initiated its own investigation, using data pulled from the county’s public records. “This isn’t about accusations but about accountability,” Roggin emphasized. “Taxpayer money demands clear oversight.” As investigations continue, the Roggin Report promises to peel back more layers, ensuring the public remains informed about where their money goes. Stay tuned to the Roggin Report for updates on this unfolding story.