THREE CITY OF NAVASOTA EMPLOYEES RESIGN AMID INVESTIGATION INTO MISUSE OF CITY CREDIT CARDS

  

Three City of Navasota employees have resigned after alleged misuse of city-issued credit cards.

The city stated in a press release today (Friday) that administrators learned earlier this week that the credit cards, which were intended to purchase fuel for city vehicles, had been used to buy fuel for privately-owned vehicles.

Officials referred the matter for investigation to the Navasota Police Department, who determined there were multiple instances of unauthorized use involving more than one employee.

According to the city, three employees voluntarily came forward, provided statements to investigators, submitted their resignations and entered into restitution agreements requiring repayment to the city.  Officials did not identify the individuals, nor did they say how much was charged to the credit cards or what is owed in repayment.

City Manager Robert Hemminger called the misuse of public funds “a serious violation of the trust placed in every city employee” and said the city’s responsibility is to “protect the taxpayers, hold individuals accountable, recover the funds involved, and take appropriate steps to prevent similar misconduct in the future.”  He added, “The actions of a few individuals do not reflect the character and dedication of the many city employees who faithfully serve this community every day.  We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and restoring any public trust affected by this incident.”

The city said it has put additional safeguards into place, such as supervisory review and oversight of credit card usage, and is considering further procedural and technological controls.  It also said the investigation and review of relevant transactions is ongoing, and that it will take additional action if it finds more unauthorized activity.