Audit raises concerns in Florissant

FLORISSANT, Mo. -- A state audit has raised the issue of whether the mayor of Florissant has too much power.

Missouri Auditor Susan Montee was in the north St. Louis County town Tuesday night to deliver details of the audit. She cited transparency issues with Florissant's strong mayor form of government, saying Mayor Robert Lowery is allowed to make decisions usually made by a city council or city manager.

Montee found fault for unnecessary expenditures and failure to collect rental fees for use of facilities and equipment.

Montee said no wrongdoing or illegal activity was uncovered.

The audit was conducted after a petition was submitted with nearly 3,000 signatures.