The city of Washington contracted with Rushton Accounting and Business Advisors to conduct an independent audit to review the prior city administrator, Jerry deBin’s, financial activities and make recommended improvements. The report outlining their findings and recommendations can be seen in full below this article.
It is notable that the independent auditors stated that several city employees told them deBin had modified city council meeting minutes. Making changes to the minutes that is not requested by the council, is a felony. The auditor also mentioned the minutes were vague and left out important details such as the names of councilmen that made motions, how they voted and follow up details or tasks.
City employees also told the auditor that deBin had initiated a courtesy late fee waiver that some citizens received based on no particular policy but deBin’s decision alone. I had several conversations with deBin about utility late fee policies and clarification and importance of creating a policy so everyone knew about it and was treated fairly. I had a meeting with deBin, councilman Andy Anderson, former city attorney Barry Fleming and former mayor Bill deGolian about two years ago and discussed how deBin alone arbitrarily deciding who received relief, could be perceived as discriminatory. DeBin insisted it was best he decide on a case by case basis because he knew who was late because of an oversight and who just wasn't budgeting well.
The auditor also noted deBin was paying himself for overtime and a salaried employee does not qualify for overtime pay. Furthermore they said that not keeping accurate lists of exempt and non-exempt employees, that are required by law, could lead to “costly litigation claims and overtime wage violations.” Rushton offered to assist the city with correcting this issue.
The city is not keeping accurate personnel files. The auditor stated this should be changed “immediately” as it is a legal requirement and could result in penalties or fines.
The auditor recommended the city employ “a Human Resource professional to help attract, screen and retain talented individuals for the city.”
It is worth noting, considering the findings regarding these and the multiple deficiencies that could lead to legal and monetary problems for the city, that on multiple occasions, district one councilmen Cullars Sr., Hill and Mahoney brought concerns regarding deBin’s actions to city council. Repeatedly councilman Andy Anderson and former mayor Bill deGolian said they felt deBin was doing an excellent job and repeatedly any attempts to provide oversight or conduct an audit were voted down by the prior district two councilmen and mayor deGolian. Since January 2024, concerns were brought to mayor Bailey and council. I myself contacted mayor Bailey and each member of council with concerns that deBin was violating the law and not providing documents I was requesting, was not complying with open meetings and open records laws as well as concerns about the utility deposits. Bailey and district 2 councilmen ignored my concerns until the city clerk Debbie Bazemore and city employees also shared concerns about deBin with council and deBin's resignation was requested, which he refused to provide so he was terminated. DeBin has since threatened legal action and has filed a complaint with the EEOC. How long would this have gone on had Bazemore and the city employees not spoken up? How much more could the citizens have lost?
Add comment
Comments