Consider, for a moment, the method by which we and, as a result, the general public learned about a state investigation into the town of Landis’ finances.

A Landis Police Department officer sent out a news release signed by Mayor Mike Mahaley that succinctly expressed the seriousness of an ongoing investigation. The police department had received direction to start an investigation into “allegations regarding town finances” and quickly uncovered “substantial evidence of possible criminal activity.”

The police department spoke with District Attorney Brandy Cook, who requested the State Bureau of Investigation initiate an independent, criminal investigation.

The news release said the town of Landis was committed to cooperating with the State Bureau of Investigation and District Attorney Brandy Cook’s work on the matter.

Those are the right steps — let an independent entity find whether there’s wrongdoing and quickly tell the public that’s the case.

Allegations of mismanagement in Landis are not entirely new, but of late the concern among residents have bubbled to a boil. Monday’s Landis Board of Aldermen meeting was proof of that.

There were so many people in attendance that some were forced to stand in the entryway to the town council chambers and strain to hear what aldermen and residents were saying. Outside, a couple handfuls of people stood outside of the building, watching the meeting proceedings but unable to hear.

Less than two days later, all members of the Board of Aldermen were aware of the allegations, according to the news release. By Thursday, in what has clearly been a rapidly developing situation, Landis had announced the investigation, which the SBI says focuses on embezzlement.

Setting aside details of embezzlement allegations, which are still unknown, it was the right call to ask an independent entity to conduct the investigation and to quickly let the public know.

There’s no doubt that Landis residents want and deserve answers about how taxpayer money was spent. That requires more transparency than we’ve seen before developments this week.

Town staff and the Board of Aldermen would do well to take their cue from the manner in which law enforcement officials handled the investigation into town finances — quickly and openly providing residents with the answers they deserve.

Posting the current year’s budget online would be a start.