L.A. City Hall Only Collects 53% of Bills Owed, Audit Finds

Although governments shouldn't strictly run themselves like a corporation, this is one area where they should. A follow-up audit performed by City Controller Wendy Greuel has demonstrated the city's lack of ability to collect on bills owed. Since a similar audit three years ago, the city has slightly improved, but not by much. “In three years since the previous audit was released, the City has gone from a 52% collections rate to a 53% collections rate - that’s not acceptable,” said Greuel. “Collecting more money wouldn’t close the entire budget deficit, but it would help save the City money and protect critical services for Angelenos.”