Brainerd City Council President Mary Koep said she appreciated the time and research council member Bob Olson put into his review of city finances, but further discussion on it was put to an end Monday night.

During a special city council meeting on Aug. 7, Olson presented council with information reflecting his research of city finances, claiming inaccuracies and asking questions of city finance director and city auditor. Response from both the auditor and city finance director and acting city interim, Theresa Goble, presented answers and clarification to Olson’s information.

“People of Brainerd, your city funds are well accounted for,” said Koep, “bills are paid on time and fund balances are healthy and there is no cause for concern as a result of Olson’s findings.

“Alderman Olson has spent much time and money on his research and now is the time for conclusion. I am satisfied with answers, explanations and correction of errors when they occur. Let’s put the issue to rest.”

Council agreed, unanimously approving Koep’s motion that all funds are accounted for and the discussion on the matter was closed.

Prior to the evening council meeting, council member Lucy Nesheim told the Dispatch that throughout all of the digging and questioning by Olson, she felt no additional time was needed in investigating and spending resources on the issue.

“I see this as nothing more than a campaign ploy,” Nesheim said of Olson’s research. Olson is up for re-election of a council at-large seat this year.

JESSI PIERCE, staff writer, may be reached at 855-5859 or jessi.pierce@brainerddispatch.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jessi_pierce (@jessi_pierce).