Manchester Aldermen Approve City, School District Audits Requested By Mayor Ruais

MANCHESTER, NH — The Manchester Board of Aldermen has approved a series of audits requested by Mayor Jay Ruais, including an audit of the Manchester School District and reviews of several city departments.

The School Committee unanimously approved the school district audit last week.

According to the mayor’s office, the audits will be conducted by the city’s independent city auditor, a position required by the city charter that had been vacant for six years. The auditor was recently restored.

The approved departmental audits will examine Central Fleet, the Manchester Fire Department, the Department of Public Works, and Human Resources, including benefits and payroll. City officials said the independent audits are separate from the annual financial audits required of the city and school district, which focus on compliance and accuracy of financial reporting. The independent audits are intended to review operational efficiency and internal practices in greater detail.

The school district audit will focus on programs and efficiency, according to the mayor’s office, and is intended to avoid duplicating existing state, federal, and independent financial audits. Areas to be reviewed include administrative efficiency, payroll and staffing practices, procurement processes, and insurance administration.

“These audits are about making sure city government is operating as efficiently, transparently, and responsibly as possible,” Ruais said. “For years, Manchester lacked the independent oversight required by our charter. Restoring that oversight and putting it to work is a critical part of delivering accountable government to our residents.”

Ruais also thanked the Board of Aldermen for approving the audits.

“I want to thank the Board of Aldermen for their thoughtful consideration and approval of these audits,” he said. “This work is central to the STARS Initiative and reflects our shared commitment to transparency, taxpayer accountability, and meaningful oversight of city government and the Manchester School District.”

Audit findings and recommendations will be released publicly in accordance with New Hampshire’s Right-to-Know Law, city officials said. The audits will be conducted in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards.