Transparency News, 9/9/20
Wednesday
September 9, 2020
September 9, 2020
state & local news stories
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During a vote Tuesday on a bill to end qualified immunity for police officers, Del. Michael Webert, R-Marshall, was unable to cast his vote because of technical problems, according to House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah. Republicans have been critical of House Democratic leadership for their decision to conduct the House special session virtually out of concern technical problems could negatively affect the democratic process. While speaking during Tuesday's session, Gilbert said Webert effectively was “shown the door” and everyone he represents was “denied a vote” because of the technical issues. He compared Webert’s unintended removal from the Zoom call to a lawmaker being escorted out of the chamber and urged Democratic leadership to develop protocols to address this kind of situation. Del. Marcus Simon, D-Falls Church, said someone being booted from the session because of a technical problem is more similar to someone losing their key card and being unable to get into the building than it is to someone being escorted out of the building.
Inside NoVa
A King William County financial inquiry into the Treasurer’s Office found nearly $2 million of uncollected real estate taxes, numerous bank accounts at multiple banks, and treasury employees handling taxpayer dollars without supervision. The county launched the probe mid-June after several citizens came forward expressing concerns about unpaid taxes. Since then, the county has spent months scrutinizing the office’s practices and handling of funds. After receiving the preliminary audit report, County Administrator Bobbie Tassinari divulged the finding to the Board of Supervisors at its August meeting. In a phone interview on Aug. 26,, Treasurer Harry Whitt said he disagrees with the audit’s findings, though he said he hadn’t read the preliminary report. He also said he will decide whether to follow the audit’s recommendations. Additionally, the firm found that: there is no documentation on file for wire transfers; the treasurer conducts all county banking from his personal phone; all funds received through the mail are not logged; and all tax reconciliations are written in pencil and difficult to follow.
Tidewater Review
Inside NoVa
A King William County financial inquiry into the Treasurer’s Office found nearly $2 million of uncollected real estate taxes, numerous bank accounts at multiple banks, and treasury employees handling taxpayer dollars without supervision. The county launched the probe mid-June after several citizens came forward expressing concerns about unpaid taxes. Since then, the county has spent months scrutinizing the office’s practices and handling of funds. After receiving the preliminary audit report, County Administrator Bobbie Tassinari divulged the finding to the Board of Supervisors at its August meeting. In a phone interview on Aug. 26,, Treasurer Harry Whitt said he disagrees with the audit’s findings, though he said he hadn’t read the preliminary report. He also said he will decide whether to follow the audit’s recommendations. Additionally, the firm found that: there is no documentation on file for wire transfers; the treasurer conducts all county banking from his personal phone; all funds received through the mail are not logged; and all tax reconciliations are written in pencil and difficult to follow.
Tidewater Review
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