NEW: Comptroller investigation says Bristol’s South Fork Utility District manager violated state conflict of interest rules
The manager of Bristol Tennesee’s South Fork Utility District was accused of several violations in a 13-page report issued by the State Comptroller’s Office on Thursday.
The questionable practices charged by the state agency include conflicts of interest involving funds from the utility being used by the manager.
A spokesperson for the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts on Thursday identified the manager of the SFUB as Garry Smith.
NEW: Investigation of Utility District in Bristol, TN details Potential Conflicts of Interest. Read more: https://t.co/CVfCRLuRaD @WJHL11 @news5wcyb @heraldcourier pic.twitter.com/5A0VBECzg5
— TN Comptroller (@TNCOT) April 7, 2022
Investigators said the payments marked as possible state violations total $1.6 million including funds paid to the manager’s construction company for repair jobs, potential salary conflicts, and payments of nearly $10,000 in electric bills being paid using utility money for a restaurant owned by the manager.
“When our investigation began, these utility districts lacked many of the policies and procedures that are required for sound financial management,” said Comptroller Jason Mumpower in a release issued by his office. “Some basic fiduciary tasks were also not being performed by the boards, such as reviewing bank and financial statements to ensure questionable transactions did not escape notice.”
The report noted that the findings had been sent to the District Attorney’s office for further review. No criminal charges have been filed.
(IMAGE: Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Offices)
