SPIRIT LAKE — Mayor Jeremy Cowperthwaite on Tuesday refuted rumors that the city is set to declare bankruptcy after a social media post claiming such circulated online.

The post, which was shared on the Facebook group “Spirit Lake Community Awareness,” said that the city was visited by a state auditor and has “less than 3% of whatever projected budget to begin with,” and that city council members gave themselves raises earlier this year, among other claims.

The post also said the Spirit Lake Police Department is having personnel issues and called for all of city council to resign.

Cowperthwaite called the post “a concocted and methodical attack" on him and City Clerk Michelle Wharton.

“The overall budget is absolutely fine,” Cowperthwaite said. “We’re doing good.”

A post has since been made to the City of Spirit Lake Facebook page that clarifies budgetary items, including council-approved ARPA expenditures.

“We are not sure where the individuals are getting their information,” the post read. “At 50% of the 24/25 fiscal year the city is at 59% of the General Fund budget and 26% of the total budget.”

The city has not been visited by a state auditor and has requested proof of this from the state, according to the post.

Cowperthwaite emphasized that annual budgets, meeting minutes and financial statements are available on the city of Spirit Lake website.

“We’re very, very transparent,” Cowperthwaite said.

In a separate Facebook post, SLPD said they remain fully operational.

“Chief Morlan continues to lead the department, which currently includes four full-time officers, two reserve officers, and two additional officers graduating from the POST Academy,” the post said.

Cowperthwaite said the decision was made to make public statements on the rumors after several residents visited City Hall looking for answers.

“We have a responsibility to everybody else, and even to these people doing this,” Cowperthwaite said.