Library Official Resigns, Other Placed on Leave Following Audit
Two top library officials won’t be in their offices next week.
News 12 learned at a special called board meeting, Assistant Director Nate Hill has been placed on unpaid leave for a week, and Systems Administrator Meg Backus resigned.
Executive Director Corrine Hill apologized for the mistakes during the meeting.
"It’s unfortunate the way it unfolded. I think it is what it is, and like I said, this happened on my watch I take full responsibility." Hill said.
This follows a city audit of the Chattanooga Public Library that shows nearly $3,000 mismanaged, excessive reimbursements for trips and hotel stays, several paid speaking jobs, and unreported vacation leaves.
The audit shows Backus was one of the worst offenders with 68 hours of unreported vacation time.
Nate Hill, who is now on leave, topped it out with 120 hours of unreported vacation time.
Chairman of the board Jim Kennedy said all the money has been paid back and moving forward they’ve created two committees to address the issues.
"One has to do with the governance of the library operations and the other has to do with the governance of certain standards of policies that the city has," Kennedy said.
Hill says the audit has forced them to work more in compliance with the city, and she believes that’s a good thing.
"There are some things pointed out that we knew needed to be done and we were trying to address. We’re doing the best we can so now we have a sense of urgency shall we say?
The two committees will report back to the board at their regular meeting in two weeks.
The board is still investigating Nate Hill’s position.
News 12 learned at a special called board meeting, Assistant Director Nate Hill has been placed on unpaid leave for a week, and Systems Administrator Meg Backus resigned.
Executive Director Corrine Hill apologized for the mistakes during the meeting.
"It’s unfortunate the way it unfolded. I think it is what it is, and like I said, this happened on my watch I take full responsibility." Hill said.
This follows a city audit of the Chattanooga Public Library that shows nearly $3,000 mismanaged, excessive reimbursements for trips and hotel stays, several paid speaking jobs, and unreported vacation leaves.
The audit shows Backus was one of the worst offenders with 68 hours of unreported vacation time.
Nate Hill, who is now on leave, topped it out with 120 hours of unreported vacation time.
Chairman of the board Jim Kennedy said all the money has been paid back and moving forward they’ve created two committees to address the issues.
"One has to do with the governance of the library operations and the other has to do with the governance of certain standards of policies that the city has," Kennedy said.
Hill says the audit has forced them to work more in compliance with the city, and she believes that’s a good thing.
"There are some things pointed out that we knew needed to be done and we were trying to address. We’re doing the best we can so now we have a sense of urgency shall we say?
The two committees will report back to the board at their regular meeting in two weeks.
The board is still investigating Nate Hill’s position.
Leave a Reply