|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
August 21, 2005Purchased items likely are personalState's warning was sent to the township boardByRecord-Eagle staff writer  Potato peelers, a flight jacket, boots and underwear, a bayonet, seven pairs of snowshoes, shaving cream and Chapstick - all among goods ex-Supervisor Joseph Bartko purchased from a federal warehouse for more than $7,700 with township funds. State documents obtained by the Record-Eagle show Bartko's purchases extended from 1997 through 2003, despite the Michigan Department of Treasury's finding in 2002 that township officials improperly used township credit cards and checks to pay personal expenses and buy items for personal use. Township Treasurer Debora Watson identified township Clerk Janice Gee as the person who made a one-time reimbursement to the township for personal charges on the township credit card around the time of the audit. The state did not notify the Grand Traverse County's prosecutor or the state attorney general of its findings. "It was forwarded to the township board, which had the ability to pursue the issue as it deemed necessary," said treasury spokesman Terry Stanton. Some township board members, including Watson, said they were unaware of the state's 2002 findings until recently. "(Gee) handles the mail," Watson said. "I was just told the audit came out fine." Gee is awaiting trial on seven felony charges of embezzling township funds, a case unrelated to the state's 2002 finding. Police and auditors continue to investigate township finances. Bartko, 74, defeated in the 2004 primary election by Glen Lile, has not been charged with a crime. He's repeatedly refused to respond to Record-Eagle requests for comment on various investigations into East Bay finances. He also did not respond to a hand-delivered letter from the Record-Eagle that asked how the township used the items he purchased. Bartko made some reimbursements to the township, totaling no more than $300, for surplus items he bought, Watson said. Treasury officials "recommended" the township discontinue the activities and adopt a credit card use policy as required by state law. But the treasury department never checked to see if recommendations were followed. "The follow-up was the letter sent to the township board," Stanton said. State records show Bartko continued to purchase personal items until April 2003, when his shopping list included two sleeping bags, one pair of trousers, one sweat shirt, 10 disposable razors, and four cans of shaving cream. The Cadillac warehouse, where Bartko did his shopping, closed in June 2003. "I haven't seen where we use that stuff yet for township business," current supervisor Lile said. See Related Stories: East Bay Township clerk is back to work - August 21, 2005 More money may be missing in East Bay - August 16, 2005 Lile suggests shutting down East Bay government to fix mess - July 22, 2005 East Bay Township supervisor expects 'real ugly' meeting - July 22, 2005 East Bay assessor to be paid as fate is determined - July 12, 2005 Errors pile up in review of East Bay records - July 10, 2005 Public backs East Bay probe leading to arrest of clerk - June 28, 2005 East Bay Township clerk charged with embezzlement felonies - June 23, 2005 Township officials pushed for audit leading to Gee's arrest - June 23, 2005
|
|
