In a week’s time, the City of Natchez’s financial picture took a wild swing from horribly dismal to blazingly sunny — at least in the minds of a few of its leaders.

After what appears to be a significantly flawed budget report was presented to aldermen last week showing a deficit of approximately $1.5 million, city leaders and residents had every reason to doubt the accuracy of the numbers from the city clerk’s office.

Mayor Butch Brown, to his credit, was doubtful from the beginning about the validity of the report and sought the help of the city’s independent auditor to sniff out the problem.

The paid expert found multiple problems within a few days.

Aldermen — particularly a few — may overreact a bit when such things happen, but it’s understandable. The city is a public institution, entrusted with public funds.

All matters surrounding the city’s financial matters should be above reproach. Instead, it’s become a bit of a laughing stock.

In reality, however, no one should be laughing. The problems with the city’s finances seem significant and haven’t been improving.

The public deserves to know that their money is not only well managed, but accounted for properly, too.