Audit office report reveals administrative irregularities in Limassol municipality

A special report from the Audit Office has identified significant systemic irregularities within the Limassol Municipality regarding human resources management between January 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024, with some data spanning back to 2017. Auditors found that overtime costs surged by 176%, rising from €500,000 in 2017 to €1.4 million in 2024. The municipality reportedly disregarded legal advice by reclassifying four traffic officers as clerical staff and granting them personal salary upgrades. Furthermore, the report notes unauthorized use of municipal vehicles for commuting by five employees and the payment of allowances during leave. The Audit Office also identified gaps in internal control mechanisms, missing service plans for positions, and instances where municipal council sessions had high rates of member absenteeism. Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou stated that the municipality frequently failed to document its actions, compromising transparency and accountability. The report concludes that these practices violate the principles of legality and sound administration, exposing the municipality to administrative, financial, and legal risks.