The Apopka City Commission voted 3-2 on Wednesday not to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a forensic audit after a contentious discussion revisiting prior audit efforts, projected costs, scope and alleged political motivations. 

In an unusual alliance, political rivals Mayor Bryan Nelson and Commissioner Nick Nesta voted together against the measure.  

The agenda item asked commissioners to authorize staff to release an RFP for a forensic audit aimed at examining potential financial irregularities. A similar effort in 2024 was rejected after bids came in at about $1.36 million to review transactions from 2018 through 2024. 

City Finance Director Blanche Sherman outlined the purpose of a forensic audit and how it differs from the city’s other types of audits.  

“The focus is on detecting and documenting financial wrongdoing such as fraud, embezzlement and misuse of assets,” Sherman said. “Forensic audits aim to trace specific transactions, calculate losses and identify the irregularities.” 

Sherman said staff is recommending a narrower scope to reduce costs and better target specific areas of concern. 

Sherman stressed that while city staff has already compiled and analyzed detailed financial records on reserves, opioid settlement payments, land deals, nonprofit payments and legal fees, a forensic audit would be a separate, independent review narrowly focused on any specific transactions where commissioners still suspect fraud, embezzlement or misuse of funds. 

Commissioners debated whether to proceed, with some questioning the timing and justification for the audit. 

Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez said she opposed moving forward under the current commission, citing both cost and transition concerns. 

“Why would we want to start this process and leave it to the next mayor and new commissioners?” Velazquez asked. “I would prefer that this be delayed … or let that come from the new commission rather than the one that’s leaving, because this is going to cost the taxpayers over a million dollars.”  

Nesta said he supports conducting an audit but prefers restarting the process with a new commission and revised scope.  

Nesta is currently in the mayoral runoff against Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore, which will take place April 14, after the March 10 city election saw no mayoral candidate snatched up 50% of the votes. In the same election, Sam Ruth and Yesenia Baron won commission seats.  

“There’ll be an audit,” Nesta said. “We’ll start fresh with the new commission, not charge the residents an insane amount to do this, and then we’ll get it done properly.” 

Commissioner Nadia Anderson said that if officials truly believed wrongdoing had occurred, they should be willing to authorize a forensic review now rather than wait for a new commission.  

“If you really feel there’s some wrongdoing, it shouldn’t matter if you vote for it today or vote for it tomorrow, unless it’s truly politically motivated,” Anderson said. 

Nelson said the item was brought forward to gauge interest and noted that parts of the previous audit scope could be removed to lower costs. 

“If you want to narrow it down, because you don’t [want to] spend 1.3 [million], then go odd years, even years, go four years, pick your number,” Nelson said. “But … I’m comfortable doing all eight years but realize that’s going to be probably a million.” 

During public comment, some residents said a forensic audit is still needed to show where city money has gone and improve trust, while others urged waiting for the new mayor and commission to define a clearer, more focused review.