The Housing Authority of East Baton Rouge Parish illegally used nearly $9,000 of public money to pay for meals and celebrations over the past three years, according to an audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office.
The 18-page audit, released early this morning, documents spending from October 2014 to December of last year.
According to the report, $5,200 of the possibly misused money was spent on meals and office celebrations which included an employee picnic and an annual Christmas party. The remaining $3,600 went toward gift cards for employees as presents and prizes.
The audit also says that the former Housing Authority CEO Richard Murray, as well as COO Melonie Bayham, were unaware that spending public funds on these events was improper.
In response to the audit findings, the Housing Authority says it will revise its internal policy to ensure that no more money is spent illegally. The authority also says it plans find pathways through the state government where spending public money events would be approved.
