Seattle Councilwoman calls for fraud audit that won’t happen soon

(The Center Square) – Seattle Councilmember Maritza Rivera is calling for a formal audit of the city’s Human Services Department contracts, but the review won’t be getting immediate attention because the auditor’s office has a backlog.

Rivera, in a statement last week, said she was concerned about a King County audit that found lax financial oversight at the County Department of Community and Human Services.

The audit, which dates back to August 2025, found that King County Department of Community and Human Services staff permitted potential fraud, misused funds and made numerous improper payments to contractors.

“The City works with many of the same human service organizations as the County, so it is important for us to ensure our contracts have adequate oversight and accountability,” Rivera said

Acting City Auditor Arushi Thakorla said in a statement to The Center Square on Monday that he has been in contact with the councilwoman.

“We agree with the Councilmember th...