UPPER CUMBERLAND – The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has identified $84,097.95 of questionable expenditures within the Overton/Pickett Emergency Communications District (OPECD). The district provides enhanced 911 emergency telephone service for Overton and Pickett Counties.
Comptroller investigators question the use of district funds for a variety of purchases including $18,700.12 in food. The district purchases food on a regular basis and investigators question whether many of the food items and supplies are used solely for district-related purposes. These purchases included alcohol, medications, and a variety of purchases at groceries and restaurants.
The questionable expenses also include the district director’s use of the district’s credit cards to purchase $678.05 in fuel while on multiplepersonal out-of-state trips. District board members were not aware the director used his assigned district vehicle for personal out-of-state travel.
Investigators have also raised questions about the purchase of equipmentsuch as a $3,599.95 massage chair for the district’s office, and a drill pressand sand blast cabinet, which are located in the Emergency Management Agency building.
Other questionable expenditures for training classes, public relations, travel payments in excess of policy, possible conflict of interest purchases, and items that are not exclusively used in district operations are noted in the investigative report.
Comptroller investigators attempted to speak with all full-time employees of the district. However, the majority of the full-time employees declined to meet with investigators; therefore, investigators were unable to confirmwhether many of the district’s purchases were for the benefit of the district and its employees or for personal benefit.
“Many of the problems noted in this report can be attributed to oversight,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “District board members must do their part to ensure accountability. This includes discussing and approvingmajor spending and reviewing credit card transactions.”
Investigators have shared their findings and recommendations with the district attorney general for the Thirteenth Judicial District and with the Thirty-first Judicial District, district attorney general Pro Tem.
Editor’s note: The UCBJ attempted to contact OPECD Director Chris Masiongale for additional comments regarding the report but did not receive a response prior to publication.
