Brockton Auditor Calls for Audit Committee, Open Checkbook Restoration at First 2026 Meeting

BROCKTON -- January 28, 2026, Brockton's Accounts Committee heard a sweeping financial reform pitch from City Auditor Dr. Clarkson at its January 28 meeting. Clarkson, who oversees approximately $618 million in city funding, called for a formal internal audit program, a new five-member audit committee with independent outside members, and restoration of the city's Open Checkbook financial transparency dashboard, which has been inactive since roughly 2020 and may be out of compliance with state transparency requirements. Clarkson disclosed that the external auditor Clifton Larson Allen has issued a qualified opinion on Brockton's finances for five or six consecutive years with no corrective action, and that credit agencies Moody's and S&P have at times temporarily withheld the city's rating over delayed audits. One internal audit, on the health insurance trust fund, which required the city to absorb a $7 million shortfall, has been completed, with a draft report under review. Councilor at Large Jeff Chanel offered to help draft an enabling ordinance for the audit committee, calling the initiative "long overdue."