By Erica Thomas, 1819 News
The Wedowee Utilities Board unanimously approved the termination of the employment of bookkeeper Brenda Boone during a meeting held on Wednesday.
Chairman Barry Waldrep recommended the move after outlining issues discovered since the Wedowee Town Council installed a new board. Those issues were brought to public attention by Councilman Jerry Huddleston during a council meeting.
Boone, a former part-time employee, stated during a February 4 meeting that she was a contract employee. When asked whether she had the contract, Boone said there should be a copy in her personnel file, but Waldrep said he has been unable to find one.
Boone has been on paid leave since the February 4 meeting.
Before making the motion to terminate Boone’s employment, Waldrep reviewed some of the concerning financial issues discovered in a preliminary audit by MDA Group. Waldrep said he has also spoken in depth with the auditors and bankers.
“Misappropriating these funds by neglect or any other reasons would be considered mismanagement,” said Waldrep. “Public funds must be accounted for in board meetings with financial statements available to the public. Failure to follow proper accounting can itself be grounds for removal or liability.”
The board then unanimously approved the termination.
The Alabama Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the Wedowee Utilities Board. The state’s Examiners of Public Accounts has also launched an audit into the utility.
“This decision is based strictly on the facts presented to us with no judgment or insinuation of criminal activity,” Waldrep added.
Waldrep said that since he took the position on the board, necessary actions have been “gut-wrenching.”
“When you know the parties involved in a discrepancy, it makes things very difficult,” Waldrep said.
Waldrep wished Boone great success in any future endeavors.
The Wedowee Utilities Board hired director Randy Benefield at an annual salary of $80,000 with no benefits. Brent Wilson will serve as a consultant at no charge. Retiring employee Mike Hester has also agreed to continue as a consultant to ensure employee safety. Beth Brown was hired as a contracted internal accountant to handle payroll, invoices and other financial accountability for $65 per hour.
All other employees will remain in their positions.
