Cordele City Commission Approves Outside Firm's Access to Bank Accounts

Commissioners vote 3-1 to allow Bennett Tax Advisory Services view-only access to city's finances

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Cordele City Commission has voted 3-1 to grant Bennett Tax Advisory Services view-only access to the city's bank accounts, despite concerns raised by some commissioners and a former commissioner about the need for such access.

Why it matters

This decision raises questions about the level of oversight and transparency around the city's finances, as well as the role of outside firms in managing public funds.

The details

Commissioners Joe Joe Wright and George Singletary requested that Bennett Tax Advisory Services be given view-only access to the city's bank accounts. The commission had previously voted unanimously to accept Bennett's $5,500 per month audit readiness services. However, Commissioner Vesta Beal-Shephard said she did not believe they had agreed to a comprehensive audit, and her expectation was that Bennett would simply help city staff prepare for the late 2025 financial report. Singletary argued that Bennett's virtual access would be limited to viewing only, and would be needed to help prepare for the auditors from Mauldin and Jenkins. Commissioner Joe Joe Wright described it as an 'entry exit audit' to help the three new board members understand the city's finances. Former City Commissioner Royce Reeves expressed concerns about giving Bennett access to the bank accounts when they already had the bank statements.

  • The Cordele City Commission discussed the request at their meeting on February 25, 2026.

The players

Joe Joe Wright

Cordele City Commissioner who requested that Bennett Tax Advisory Services be given access to the city's bank accounts.

George Singletary

Cordele City Commissioner who requested that Bennett Tax Advisory Services be given access to the city's bank accounts.

Vesta Beal-Shephard

Cordele City Commissioner who voted against granting Bennett Tax Advisory Services access to the city's bank accounts.

Bernard Fenn

Cordele City Commissioner who voted in favor of granting Bennett Tax Advisory Services access to the city's bank accounts.

Royce Reeves

Former Cordele City Commissioner who expressed concerns about granting Bennett Tax Advisory Services access to the city's bank accounts.

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What they’re saying

“We got to reconcile all this cash and find out where it's going.”

— George Singletary, Cordele City Commissioner (cordeledispatch.com)

“Some people might would call this an entry exit audit.”

— Joe Joe Wright, Cordele City Commissioner (cordeledispatch.com)

“Why does Mr. Bennett need access to City bank accounts when he has the bank statements?”

— Royce Reeves, Former Cordele City Commissioner (cordeledispatch.com)

What’s next

The city will need to monitor the access and activities of Bennett Tax Advisory Services to ensure transparency and proper oversight of the city's finances.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in balancing the need for financial oversight and transparency with the desire to bring in outside expertise. It will be important for Cordele to carefully manage this relationship to maintain public trust in the city's financial management.