The City Council’s government-appointed financial regulator has refused to withdraw his complaint of theft at the City Council. He alleged that $27,000 in so – called under-deposits represented compelling evidence of theft – but now, the finger is being pointed right back at him. 7News has obtained a copy of a three page letter with evidence attached date July eighth in which the City Administrator Kiran Vanjani writes to Patrick Tillet noting that he has initiated transactions for which he has no authority and which ended up costing the council.
First, Vanjani claims that Tillet unilaterally implemented a new tax collection arrangement which will, “cost the council thousands in commission (payments).” In doing so, she claims, he reversed a council decision to do otherwise. And Vanajani alleges that Tillet overspent when he approved two thousand dollars to pay for the installation of air conditioning units. That’s about $650 per unit, Vanjani says the City Hall usually pays $350 per unit.
But that’s small compared to what Vanjani said he authorized for the purchase of a used dump truck form Rodla Construction. Vanajani claims Tillet overstepped his bounds when he approved purchase of the truck for $34,000 while the Mayor was away. The truck, says Vanajani, is unsuited for the garbage collection work it has to do, and more than that it has mechanical problems including overheating.
All while all those cost money, Vanjani also claims that Tillet deprived the council of income by authorizing the revenue clerk to cancel balances of property tax owed by residents. Vanajani tells Tillett that he should have consulted with the mayor and he did not. She closes by accusing him of also disobeying the terms of reference of his appointment.
Tillett was not at his office, and our attempts to reach him through other sources were unsuccessful. A fairly substantial sheaf of documents were attached to verify the claims set out in the letter.
