FERRIDAY, La. — Both residents and candidates for mayor of Ferriday were still reacting Wednesday to news of a state auditor’s probe into alleged misappropriation of town funds.

&uot;This is devastating for the town,&uot;&160;said Richard Madison, a Ferriday resident. &uot;Those who are running (for mayor) need to implement plans to detect problems like this.&uot;

Several other residents declined to comment, saying they either knew Johnson or Green or would not comment until the auditor’s report is released.

Town Clerk Ida Johnson was fired by the Town Council Monday and Kathy Green, a water clerk at Town Hall, was fired last week, both for allegedly misappropriating funds. Criminal charges have not been brought against Johnson and Green, who could not be reached for comment. The amount of missing funds will be included in a report of the state auditor’s investigation, which should be released next week.

Ferriday mayoral candidates Johnnie Brown, Glen McGlothin and Alex Promise did not mention the allegations during Tuesday’s candidate forum at the Doty Road Community Center.

Candidates Justin Conner and Promise could not be reached Wednesday for comment on the allegations. And Brown said he would not comment until he studied up on the situation. &uot;I don’t know anything about it,&uot;&160;Brown said.

Wednesday, McGlothin said he had been shocked to hear the news. &uot;I think everyone was,&uot;&160;he said.

The best ways a mayor can help prevent such a situation from happening are having the right employees in place and getting regular financial updates, said McGlothin, an ex-Ferriday mayor.

Mayor Odeal Montgomery has not returned calls.