NEWS: OPHS Audit Exposes Waste, Conflicts, and Failed Oversight by Mayor Hogsett
Monday, April 27, 2026
Office of Public Health and Safety Audit Demands Accountability
An internal audit of the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) reveals serious mismanagement: the agency grossly exceeded its budget, failed to meet basic contract requirements, and lacked proper oversight of taxpayer funds.
More than 80% of contracts had missing or insufficient invoices, and over half failed to meet required reporting standards. The audit also uncovered troubling conflicts of interest, including contracts awarded to vendors with ties to OPHS staff—one even employed by the agency at the time.
This points to Mayor Hogsett’s broader failure of leadership. What kind of executive allows fiscal waste and blatant corruption to take root? A leader who is asleep at the wheel.
If OPHS is failing Indianapolis, what’s happening in other agencies?
Indianapolis’ spring fiscal is fast approaching; the Indianapolis City-County Council should not approve additional funding for OPHS until the agency can demonstrate real accountability and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
The Toplines:
OPHS has received a 75% increase in its operating budget from 2020-2025.
51% of contracts reviewed lacked sufficient programmatic documentation or failed to meet the reporting requirements.
84% of contracts tested had missing, incomplete, or insufficient invoice documentation, or failed to comply with contract terms.
Several contracts awarded to vendors with significant connections to current OPHS employees.
One contract was awarded to a vendor employed by OPHS during the contract period.
You can read the full report HERE>>>
SAVE THE DATE: Join us May 19, 2026 for MCRCC’s Annual May Event
Please note we’ve updated the date! RSVP to grace@danielsspaulding.com.
8 Days Until the Indiana Primary Election. Make a Plan to VOTE!
Early voting has begun across Indiana. Check your precinct, polling location, and more at https://indianavoters.in.gov/
Tuesday, May 5 – Indiana Primary Election Day
Check your voting location https://indianavoters.in.gov/
Wednesday, May 13 @ 6:00 PM – Broad Ripple GOP Club Meeting with Speaker Todd Huston
The Quarter, 925 E Westfield Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46220
Paid parking is available along Westfield Avenue
Interested: RSVP HERE
Sunday, May 17 @ 10 AM - 6 PM – GIRWC Goes to the Track!
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Interested: Grab your ticket TODAY. Link HERE to purchase.
Tuesday, May 19 – MCRCC May Event
Dallara Experience Hub, 1201 N Main St, Speedway, IN 46224
Interested: RSVP to grace@danielsspaulding.com
June 19-20, 2026 – Indiana GOP State Convention
Grand Wayne Convention Center, Fort Wayne - Click here for more info!