Warsaw Street Superintendent Resigns From Position
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Warsaw Street Superintendent Lacy Francis has resigned following the results of a preliminary investigation by the city Stormwater Utility. A request for information from the newly-created Warsaw Stormwater Utility uncovered billing irregularities for previous storm-water projects. At issue was incomplete verification of work completed, according to a press release issued this morning from Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer. The utility, in the process of inventorying more than 52 miles of aging stormwater lines, was working to determine the quantity of pipe that had been previously repaired and/or maintained. Their request yielded information indicating that previous projects may have been overbilled by about $150,000. The city was made aware of the problem on Dec. 23. On Dec. 24, an “intense” investigation was launched by the Warsaw Police Department at the direction of Thallemer. That investigation has uncovered enough evidence of billing irregularities to corroborate the initial allegation, according to the release. Preliminary information collected suggests billing documents were submitted by a contractor for underground storm water pipe projects that did not reflect work actually done. “As the investigation progresses and yields clarity with factual information, the city will vigorously and aggressively seek resolution and full restitution from those involved,” Thallemer said in the release. Francis began his employment with the city on Sept. 1, 1992. The city will begin the process today to search for a replacement, according to Jennifer Whitaker, Warsaw human resources director.
