Abbott launches Elgin finances probe

City says accounts are stable, will cooperate with Rangers’ investigation

Gov. Greg Abbott last week directed the Texas Rangers to investigate the city of Elgin for possible state law violations following years of poor recordkeeping and calls for fiscal transparency.

A review of Elgin’s books Oct. 21 by independent auditors BrooksWatson & Co. saw the city recognize a lack of financial oversight — largely accredited to staffing gaps — but still receive an unmodified opinion. Despite the highest level of assurance that city financial statements are accurate and free of material misstatements, according to third-party auditors, public outcry and requests for a forensic audit have drawn state intervention.