By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — The town of Winona Lake has completed its investigation into a state board of accounts report involving specific town employees and announced on Tuesday that concerns have been resolved.
The town reached out to an undisclosed number of current and former town employees in an effort to allow them to explain their circumstances and provide evidence.
Town Council President Ashley McGinnis read a prepared statement at the end of Tuesday’s meeting.
“Each response included detailed explanations and full documentation, and we’re pleased to report the town has been made whole through this process,” MicGinnis said in a written statement read aloud at the end of the council meeting.
“With this matter resolved, the council will now move forward with previously outlined goals to continue strengthening transparent, compliance and internal operations,” the statement read.
In one instance, a town employee used a town credit card while on vacation in Hawaii. That money was repaid, according to McGinnnis.
After the meeting, News Now Warsaw sought further clarification.
“There were a few others that didn’t have enough documentation, so they were also (asked to) just pay back,” McGinnis said. “And then the ones that had documentation showed that there was a purpose for the town.”
No other details were released.
Some town residents have called for repayment of town money that was misused.
It’s unclear if any employee reprimands or other types of personnel actions were implemented following the investigation.
The town has declined to disclose who exactly was investigated and how much money has been returned to the town.
The state board of accounts report was issued five months ago and was critical of a lack of adherence to standard bookkeeping practices. It also highlighted how some town employees appeared to misuse town credit cards.
Another aspect of the report dealt with the construction of 11 residential wells that were provided to town residents without formal approval. Officials have since defended the granting of wells to residents, which was never approved with a public vote or documented in council minutes.
Town Attorney Adam Turner told News Now Warsaw previously that exactly who was being investigated could be determined by reading the 88-page report.
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Still no decisions on how Winona Lake will respond …
State report outlines numerous improper practices by Winona Lake town employees
