Tighter Controls Urged for Public Works Dept.
An investigation into alleged misdeeds in the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has led to a call for tighter controls on county equipment and stronger disciplinary action for misuse of public funds.
The probe by the county’s chief administrative officer found, among other things, that a procurement supervisor falsified documents in December to read “art supplies” to buy $82.99 worth of Christmas decorations. It is against county policy to use county funds for Christmas decorations.
The allegations were brought to the attention of the Board of Supervisors by 10 whistle-blowers who have accused their bosses in the Department of Public Works of retaliating against them for exposing abuses.
The supervisors ordered public works director Thomas Tidemanson to respond next week.
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