NEWTON COUNTY — Interim Chair Linda Hays says she’s reimbursing Newton County $4,200 after a shock dinner was held for her utilizing taxpayer cash.
Hays and 49 different company reportedly convened for a shock celebratory dinner on March 26 at Joachim Herz Home, based on paperwork obtained by The Covington Information. The occasion was held as a option to honor Hays’ 50 years of service to Newton County.
Latonja Threets-Hamp, government administrative assistant to the chair, despatched an electronic mail to the invited company on Feb. 24.
“Solely ‘50 Particular Visitors for 50 Years’ of her service to Newton County are specifically invited to attend and have a good time this unimaginable milestone along with her,” the e-mail learn.
It isn’t clear who was on the visitor checklist. The Information has submitted an open data request with Newton County to acquire extra info.
Roughly $3,500 was for a full catering platter together with salmon fillets, shrimp alfredo, yellow rice and punch, amongst different objects. Facility decor value $700, based on an bill obtained by The Information.
The bill was signed and dated Feb. 11 with Hays’ signature, although it’s not clear if she signed it or if an auto-signature was used.
Regardless, Hays instructed commissioners and viewers members in attendance for Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners assembly that she was not conscious of the shock celebration till phrase “slipped out” per week earlier than the occasion.
“On the time of the occasion, I had no thought the county was being referred to as upon to pay the price of the dinner,” Hays stated.
Hays in the end made the choice to reimburse the county in full with a $4,200 test after confirming it was paid for with county funds.
“Whereas I deeply recognize the time and bother my associates and coworkers devoted to creating the dinner successful, I don’t consider it’s proper for the county to foot the invoice,” Hays stated.
