Mayor Gerald Schuster, who took office in July, said some possible misuse of funds came to light recently as an auditing firm examined records going back more than a year ago. Without detailing the findings, Schuster said the audit raised "serious questions as to whether some of the town's money was used for private purposes."

Schuster said he contacted SLED, and the agency has agreed "to come to Hollywood to investigate the concerns of the auditors."

Schuster announced the SLED probe at a Wednesday night meeting. An audit also is being done for 2002-03, Schuster said.

Also at the meeting, Town Councilman John Dunmyer III said he and three other council members who had been seeking to change the town's form of government are suspending their efforts for now.

Dunmyer said he and the council members will try to work with Schuster. But he said "innuendo and outbursts" from residents who attend council meetings "flat have got to stop."

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