Friday, July 21, 2000
Audit raps Lebanon for finances
City council is advised to use better oversight
By Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON — The state auditor's office scolded city officials on several issues in its review of Lebanon's 1999 finances. The findings were released this week.
Among the state's objections are two familiar issues: the early retirement buyouts of three employees of questionable eligibility; and engineering work the city received for nine months without a contract from City Council.
Council needs to keep closer tabs on finances, the report concluded.
Councilman James Reinhard, however, said City Manager James Patrick is to blame for many of the problems.
“I think it just reinforces what (Councilwoman Amy) Brewer and I have been saying for the past six months, that the city manager runs a very sloppy shop,” Mr. Reinhard said.
Mr. Patrick did not return a call Thursday seeking comment, but he has said he knew about the buyouts beforehand. Mr. Patrick also attended several meetings in which the engineering work was discussed, although he has said he did not recall knowing it had started.
Councilman Mark Flick, finance committee chairman, said he was not impressed with the audit.
“All in all, the report got a little nitpicky here and there,” he said.
Council wasn't to blame for the early retirement buyouts — still under investigation by the Ohio Ethics Commission — Mr. Flick said. Members have said former city auditor Debbie Biggs, one of the beneficiaries, slipped the transfer of money past them.
Questions also have been raised about the employees' eligibility and the propriety of two of them signing off on their own and each other's buyouts.
“I don't think you can stop somebody from not following regulations,” Mr. Flick said.
The problem with construction contracts not going through council was not limited to GPD Associates' engineering work, Mr. Flick said, and the practice has been stopped.
Among other concerns noted in the audit:
• The city paid for travel for two council members and an employee without having invoices. However, the auditor determined that the spending was proper, the report said.
• Council does not receive monthly financial reports for review.
• Computers have insufficient security.
Teens' impossible dream
Boaters find less sewage in river
Pipe keeps raw sewage from river
Serial bank robberies alleged
Bush plans public rally
Loyalty is near top of Bush's VP list
Accused mother, 16, sobs in court
Clubhouse gutted, but pool to reopen
Driver gets 10 years in teacher's death
'Fly Jock' show free at Aronoff
Former OSU star Schlichter indicted
Jury: Hooters must pay $275K
Long-lost sister becomes very best friend
Petey: A life not forgotten
GET TO IT
Good ideas for kid's play
Mother's method makes kids work
Pig Parade: Periodic Pig
Who should be cast away?
Audit raps Lebanon for finances
Boy, 16, charged with murder
Cancer Society's resale store needs volunteers
DiGiuro slaying to grand jury
In the Schools
Kids learn safety rules at this camp
Ky. near top in immunizing tots
'Michael Richards Show' a shambles?
Resnick foes win decision
Taft, school-reform group meet
The postman always sings twice? No, but . . .
Witness in fatal shooting recants
