Aug. 28 – The Franklin County County Commissioners’ weekly meeting adjourned today and adjourned into closed session to announce an upcoming forensic audit of two county employees who have been on paid administrative leave since July 30.
Justin Slep, the director of the county’s Department of Veterans Affairs, and administrative assistant Julie Beam were notified of the furlough by letter.
A few weeks later, district officials sent another letter saying the two would be placed on unpaid administrative leave effective August 12. The letter also said their resignations were welcome.
Since then, the public has been attending the Commissioners’ meetings and demanding answers.
The Commissioners referred to the Protocol and the Guidelines because they were unable to reach a conclusion on this matter.
Today, these guidelines led to a forensic audit.
When the commissioners returned from the board meeting, Commissioner Dean Horst said, “Following last week’s public comments, we are seeking a motion directing staff to provide us with an engagement letter from an outside, independent firm to conduct a forensic audit and investigation of veterans’ affairs.”
The application was granted.
When asked what would happen to the employees who were neither working nor receiving a salary, the commissioners explained that they were not allowed to comment on personnel matters.
Another question is why did it all take so long?
Horst said: “It is unfortunate that it has taken so long, but ultimately the reason for this was that some things were discussed at the public hearing last week that we wanted to clarify once again.”
How long does the forensic audit take and is the selection of the company final?
Solicitor Elliot Sulcove of Black and Davison said: “There are a number of firms that provide forensic accounting services and forensic fraud investigations and we would approach one of those firms as there was no one before the commissioners. We cannot say who that would be but after I have had a chance to look at what the commissioners have asked me to do, I will make a recommendation.”
It is difficult to predict how long this entire process might take.
What led to the decision to conduct the forensic audit?
Horst said: “Basically, based on last week’s public statement, we decided to take this path and basically do everything right.”
