Mismanagement of Russellville funds alleged
Allegations of dereliction of duty have been leveled against the former Russellville Clerk-Treasurer.
A consultant hired by the Russellville Town Council to investigate town paperwork, including utility records, kept by former clerk Janet Kay Smith reported the mismanagement.
Linda Blocher reported to the council that during a two-year period in 2006 and 2007, Smith was general derelict in the performance of her duties, and she found "irregularities across the board" with Smith's record-keeping.
Blocher reported she found Smith had repeatedly refused both written and verbal requests to produce documentation in a timely manner when requested by members of the council. Among the most "disturbing" findings were that Medicare and state and federal taxes had been unpaid for "some time."
Blocher was quick to point out, however, that Smith's situation does not involve criminal misappropriation, nor is there any evidence that money is missing. The failure to pay the taxes will result in monetary penalties that could be charged to Smith.
Blocher recommended the council pursue action against Smith, who was bonded, at the advice of Town Attorney Elizabeth South, who was recently contracted by the council.
The council took no action on the recommendation at its Wednesday meeting.
In other business:
* Saw that 35 utility disconnect letters, which had been newly-drafted by South, were sent to residents. Nineteen customers responded with payment in full and 12 responded with a partial payment. Four customers were disconnected.
* Heard Diane Gorrell reported that Friends of the Park is in the final cut for grant consideration from the Putnam County Community Foundation.
* Agreed to contact the Putnam County Commissioners about grant opportunities for new sidewalks and assistance with the demolition of the old hotel in town.
* Learned the county budget workshop has set for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 11.
* Noted that the filter needs to be replaced at the water plant. Initial estimates for this replacement are in the $65,000 range.
* Approved the purchase of a back-up handgun for off-duty use by the town marshal.
The Russellville Town Council meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the town hall.