Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office is investigating the Wedowee Utilities Board after an audit revealed possible problems. However, this isn’t the AG’s first experience looking into the inner workings of a utility board. In fact, Marshall said the investigation is just another example of how his office has to step in with boards that have little to no oversight.
Marshall told 1819 News he is unable to discuss the details of the Wedowee case, but said during his tenure as AG, his office has investigated numerous boards.
“For example, Birmingham Water Works Board, we had at least one conviction and others that are otherwise not subject to any kind of oversight or accountability, and so I think we've seen instances just like we've seen city councils and county commissions and other public officials that have either violated our ethics laws or our criminal laws,” Marshall said.
With minimal board supervision, Marshall said it is his office's responsibility to investigate any allegations.
The Wedowee Town Council appoints members to the Wedowee Utility Board. The council replaced two of the three members in February, following the audit findings. Mayor Tim Coe, who served as chairman of the Wedowee Utilities Board, was one of those replaced. The Wedowee Town Council has since approved a measure prohibiting any council member or mayor from serving on the Board.
Newly appointed Wedowee Utilities Board chairman Barry Waldrep previously revealed possible mismanagement following the firing of former bookkeeper Brenda Boone. Among issues identified in a preliminary audit report were claims of unpaid taxes, payroll processing missteps, excessive employee bonuses and major operating losses that left the utility months away from bankruptcy.
Waldrep said he has been working to determine the Board's current financial standing.
Boone admitted to the new board that the utility was facing financial hardship but said she could provide the requested documentation. She said the former board approved the monies spent and claimed she had no decision-making powers.
The AG’s involvement is merely an investigation. No charges have been filed, and all parties are considered innocent.
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