Benton Harbor Commissioners to Seek Forensic Audit

City leaders vote to investigate issues with use of city credit cards

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:00am

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A cinematic painting of a government building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows casting across the facade, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the gravity of a financial investigation.The Benton Harbor City Hall, a symbol of local government, stands alone under the weight of a forensic audit investigation.Benton Harbor Today

The Benton Harbor City Commissioners have voted to seek a forensic audit after the annual audit presentation revealed discrepancies in the use of city credit cards, including missing receipts and purchases made without pre-approval.

Why it matters

The decision to pursue a more in-depth forensic audit signals concerns from some city leaders about potential financial mismanagement or improper use of public funds, which could have significant implications for the city's finances and public trust.

The details

During the annual audit presentation by the firm Rehmann, commissioners were informed that some receipts related to city credit card use were unavailable and that certain credit card policies had not been followed. While the overall audit gave the city a clean report, Commissioner Ethyl Clark-Griffin proposed a motion to call for a forensic audit to further investigate the credit card discrepancies and any potential financial issues.

  • The annual audit presentation by Rehmann occurred last month.
  • The Benton Harbor City Commissioners voted on the motion to seek a forensic audit this week.

The players

Ethyl Clark-Griffin

A Benton Harbor City Commissioner who proposed the motion to seek a forensic audit.

Alex Little

The Benton Harbor City Manager, who stated that a forensic audit would likely cost more than the approximately $60,000 for the regular annual audit.

Sara Senica

The Benton Harbor City Attorney, who warned that a forensic audit would likely be expensive.

Marcus Muhammad

The Mayor of Benton Harbor, who voted against the motion to seek a forensic audit.

SaTanna Warren, Edward Isom, and Sharon Henderson

Benton Harbor City Commissioners who also voted against the motion to seek a forensic audit.

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What they’re saying

“To call for a forensic audit due to the credit card discrepancy and not to exclude the money and financial discrepancies.”

— Ethyl Clark-Griffin, Benton Harbor City Commissioner

“We had items made, transactions with no pre-approval. We had missing receipts, purchases made with no receipts. We had some names on the card that was not supposed to be the names on it as far as the policy states.”

— Ethyl Clark-Griffin, Benton Harbor City Commissioner

What’s next

The Benton Harbor City Commission will need to determine the scope and cost of the proposed forensic audit, as well as the timeline for completing the investigation.

The takeaway

The decision by Benton Harbor city leaders to pursue a forensic audit highlights ongoing concerns about financial management and transparency within the local government. The outcome of this audit could have significant implications for public trust and the city's fiscal health.