State audit exposes widespread financial mismanagement in Winona Lake

WINONA LAKE, Ind. -- The state of Indiana released a long-awaited audit last Thurs. on the town of Winona lake’s financial activities from 2019 to 2022.

The 90-page preliminary report shows a widespread misuse of funds, an extensive lack of normal bookkeeping, and credit card abuse, among many other allegations.

The report shows several examples of different ways funds were abused or mismanaged. On page 12, it explains there were 69 credit card expenses by town employees that were either for personal use or not authorized.

One Wabash resident, Dillon Young, occasionally fishes on Winona Lake. Although he’s not a community member in the town, he was shocked to hear the findings.

“Those numbers are absolutely unacceptable… whether it’s a few miles up the road like Winona Lake is for me or if it’s another state, it doesn’t matter. Public officials are public officials; they need to do their job. They need to be taking care of taxpayers' money no matter who pays it. Period,” said Young.

The next town council meeting for Winona Lake will be held July 17 at 6 p.m. at Winona Lake Town Hall.

Winona Lake council president, Ashley McGinnis, released a statement on behalf of the council and clerk-treasurer about the allegations, which you can view in full below.