NRoute will receive a check from the City of Vicksburg today after the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 2-1 Thursday to approve allocating funds to the struggling public transit system despite incomplete audits.

Mayor Paul Winfield and North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield voted to approve dispersing the allocated $135,000 in 12 monthly installments at $11,250 per month, despite having voted at the beginning of the month to withhold the allocation until audits for 2008 and 2009 were complete. Today’s check will help cover NRoute’s administrative payroll this month.

“This is a move to keep NRoute afloat, and it’s a demonstration of our commitment to public transportation,” Winfield said. “We are moving forward in the audits.”

South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman voted against the measure.

“I cannot vote for it until the audits are finished and we know what’s going on,” Beauman said.

Jackson accounting firm Banks, Finley, White & Co. has been hired to conduct NRoute’s audits for 2008 and 2009 for $5,700 per audit.

“The independent audits will bring clarification and understanding to (NRoute’s) operations and show any misunderstandings or any activities that may or may not have been done in the proper manners.”

Winfield said the audits will also offer recommendations on handling certain situations.

“We expect not only to look at the organization for their operations, but we also expect the auditing firm to come back with a list of the best practices that will alleviate any future concerns.”

NRoute Transportation Commission chairman Diane Gawronski expressed confidence Thursday that the audits will be in accord with their reporting.

“We’re obligated by MDOT to provide a continual record and annual report, and they have accepted and approved each one,” Gawronski said. “I anticipate everything is in line with us.”

Audits are expected to be complete within a few weeks.