20130709 City of Andalusia | Press Conference
Date: 2013-07-09 Type: Press Conference
Quick Summary
City officials reported an investigation found inappropriate purchases and misuse of equipment by utility employees. Evidence from the investigation will be turned over to the Covington County District Attorney and the Andalusia Police Department has been directed to fully cooperate. The city said it has implemented new procurement policies and will continue developing additional controls; appropriate personnel action was taken regarding certain employees, with further details deferred.
Key Decisions
- All evidence from the investigation will be turned over to the Covington County District Attorney’s Office for appropriate action.
- The Andalusia Police Department was instructed to fully cooperate with the District Attorney’s investigation.
- City has implemented new procurement/purchasing policies and will continue to develop additional policies to prevent future misconduct.
- City officials stated they took appropriate action related to certain employees involved in the misconduct.
Notable Discussion
- Investigation found inappropriate purchases made using utility board credit cards and misuse of equipment; some items purchased (tires, equipment) should not have been.
- Mayor said there were multiple employees involved; three were described as primarily involved, and officials referenced action related to four individuals.
- City policy requires credit card purchases be accompanied by receipts; purchases discussed were not characterized as large single expenditures.
- Questions were raised about a possible purchase (a rifle) on a city card; mayor declined to comment on specifics and said details will be released at the appropriate time.
- Investigators reviewed transactions going back roughly three years in most cases.
Action Items
- Turn over all investigation evidence to the Covington County District Attorney (completed per statements).
- Ensure Andalusia Police Department fully cooperates with the District Attorney’s investigation.
- Continue implementing and developing procurement/purchasing controls to prevent future misuse.
- Provide further details of the investigation and personnel actions at the appropriate time.