COLUMBUS - The mayor of Columbus is calling for a police investigation into the city's parks and recreation department after a recent audit questioned its spending.

Mayor Jim Wetherington says he is troubled by several aspects of the audit and wants a comprehensive examination of the issues raised in the report. He was cautious not to link the investigation to illegal activity.

"The taxpayers of this city deserve to have peace of mind knowing their money is being used as prudently and efficiently as possible," Wetherington said. "I want to stay away from the word 'criminal.' I want the investigative team to make that determination."

The 28-page audit, released last week, raised concerns about how credit cards and cash were handled and asks questions about the city's funding of a travel basketball team sponsored by Nike.

Wetherington said he asked the Columbus police Friday to investigate the city auditor's findings. He said he informed City Manager Isaiah Hugley of the decision, and Hugley said the mayor has the authority to order the investigation.

Parks and Recreation Director Tony Adams has until June 8 to file a written response to the audit.

Members of the Columbus City Council said they want to hear from Adams.

"He needs a chance to be able to respond to the audit," said councilman Julius Hunter. "That is the thing to do. I'm going to wait to see what the response is."

Councilman C.E. "Red" McDaniel, who has known Adams for 20 years, questioned the mayor's decision to launch the probe.

"I can't believe he has done anything illegal," McDaniel said. "You just never know."