Investigation Finds Problems Within Perry County Rescue Squad
The Tennessee Comptroller’s Office has found several deficiencies within the Perry County Rescue Squad (PCRS) and Perry County Emergency Medical Services, which are both led by the same person.
Comptroller investigators are questioning $61,067 that was paid to the EMS Director/PCRS Captain, which was above his regular 40-hours per week salary. Although the Perry County Commission authorized the director to collect payment for any hours over 40 that he worked, records were insufficient to determine if he worked all of the hours he reported, and the director’s hours were not reviewed or approved by the county mayor prior to payment.
The director collected these additional payments from March 2015 through October 2017. Between January and October 2017, the director reported he worked on average an additional 53.2 hours per week for total payments of $30,475.75. The 40-hours per week for his salaried position and the average of 53.2 hours per week of additional time equaled more than two full-time jobs (93.2 hours).
Investigators were also unable to determine if the PCRS Captain paid for a pickup truck that he purportedly purchased from the PCRS in 2015 for $850. The PCRS was unable to provide records for the sale. The captain stated his payments were made a little at a time and by purchasing items for PRCS.
Other deficiencies included, the PCRS’ failure to paint or apply proper markings to rescue squad vehicles, questionable fuel purchases by Perry County EMS, and the EMS Director’s failure to properly account for his accrued sick and vacation leave.
Comptroller investigators have reviewed their findings and recommendations with the district attorney general for the 21st Judicial District.
“There are a number of financial processes that need to be strengthened within the Perry County Rescue Squad,” said Comptroller Justin P. Wilson. “Officials must ensure financial duties are separated whenever possible, not circumvent county purchasing policies, and deposit all checks into the rescue squad’s bank account.”
If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at (800) 232-5454, or file a report online at www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline. Follow us on twitter @TNCOT
Media contact: John Dunn, Public Information Officer, 615.401.7755 or john.dunn@cot.tn.gov
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