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FEDERALSBURG – The Federalsburg mayor and town council announced on social media that they are responding to allegations of misconduct, although no one was named specifically in the post.
The announcement was posted early Tuesday, April 29, on the town’s Facebook page. Reaction was swift, and by 9:30 a.m., 44 comments had been posted, with 71 emoji reactions.
According to the announcement, Mayor Kim Abner and the council “had received a complaint with allegations of misappropriation of Town funds, including personal use of Town accounts and wasteful and unnecessary spending, unlawful hiring, retaliation, sexual misconduct, and inappropriate workplace behavior,” according to the town’s Facebook post.
The date of the complaint was not included, nor was the name of the complainant or the personnel named in the complaint.
“While we feel it is important that our citizens are aware of the issues the Town faces, we have decided to not release the specific complaints received at this time to avoid the risk of liability for releasing confidential personnel information,” the post stated.
The announcement stated that the mayor and council, “after investigating the matter,” became aware that town funds were used “to purchase personal items, various financial errors were made costing the Town to unnecessarily spend money, some personnel policies were not followed, and employees were engaging in inappropriate discussions at the workplace.”
Stating that the town and council have a “financial fiduciary responsibility to maintain adequate oversight of Town funds,” the announcement added that the mayor and council “are considering additional measures to implement to assist and improve the Town’s financial stability, including reviewing disbursements on a monthly basis, and developing and adopting necessary standard operating procedures.”
“The Town is also in the process of issuing an RFP (request for proposals) for qualified firms to complete a forensic audit of the Town’s financials,” the post stated.
According to the Thelawdictionary.org, “A forensic audit is a process of reviewing a person’s or company’s financial statements to determine if they are accurate and lawful.”
“We are hoping to have the RFP posted next week,” Abner stated in a Tuesday morning text message to the Caroline Review.
“As far as the Mayor and Council are aware, the Town has been reimbursed for the personal and inappropriate purchases, and the Interim Town Manager is working to rectify and improve personnel and financial management of the Town,” the post stated.
Mercedes Moyer was announced as the interim town manager and acting town treasurer at the town council’s Feb. 19 workshop. At the time, Moyer was also the grants writer, planning and zoning administrator, and code enforcement and permitting administrator.
Since the beginning of the year, the town has experienced major staffing changes. Former Federalsburg Police Chief Michael McDermott of the Federalsburg Police Department resigned Jan. 5. His position was filled by FPD Lt. Joseph Gasser as chief Jan. 6. Former Town Manager Kristy Marshall resigned in February, but was asked to stay on for a month to help with the transition to a new town manager. Town Treasurer Debbie Lawler was laid off.
The town’s post concluded with, “Most importantly, we are committed to improving the Town of Federalsburg through citizen engagement, efficient service, efficient budgeting and spending, prioritization, and ensuring accountability. We look forward to improving the Town together.”
More than 50 comments in response the announcement were posted by mid-morning. None were positive.
“It’s time for a complete overhaul of our town government,” posted Julie Holland. “Because quite frankly I don’t see how any of you have done the job of helping this community thrive or even stay afloat.”
Her sentiments were echoed by others. “It’s sad the roads and everything else falling apart and people are stealing what little we have,” Logan Hoxter posted. “(An) audit needs to be done of the whole town.”
“I hope someone was fired and held accountable,” Dwayne Meredith posted. “I’m so disappointed in our town leadership and the lack there of.”
