BREC Audit Shows Progress as Agency Prepares for Millage Renewal Vote

BREC says it has made major progress cleaning up its finances, cutting audit findings from 18 to 8 and reporting no misappropriation of funds in its latest audit. Leaders Janet Simmons and Maurice Velasquez discussed new financial controls, reduced purchasing cards, improved oversight, and efforts to increase transparency through public access to budgets and audits. The conversation also focused on the June 27 renewal of BREC's 3.96-mill property tax. Officials stressed the measure is not a tax increase and funds park maintenance, operations, programming, repairs, and storm recovery. They warned that if the renewal fails, BREC may have to reduce services, programming, facility hours, and maintenance efforts. The show also highlighted summer activities across the parish, including Liberty Lagoon, swimming pools, splash pads, swim lessons, and summer camps serving more than 6,000 children this year.