This post was provided by News Now Warsaw
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — A review of facts by two Winona Lake boards over unauthorized use of town credit cards by town employees has led to reimbursements by two people.
Reimbursements were made by Parks Director Holly Hummitch for $1,336 and by Meghan Lincoln, a former deputy clerk treasurer (who was employed with the town from 2019 to 2022) for $640 for credit card purchases that were not authorized.
Hummitch used town credit cards for cell phone rental purchases. Lincoln used a town credit card for a car rental while she was on vacation in Hawaii, and for other small purchases.
Details about the investigations came to light in a series of recent actions and appear to be the final moves by the town regarding an audit released in late June by the State Board of Accounts concerning town recordkeeping and oversight that also exposed credit card misuse by employees.
Recent events include:
- Town Council announced on Oct. 28 its conclusion of a credit card investigation, saying the town had been “made whole” as a result, but officials had declined to release details.
- That then led to a formal request by News Now Warsaw seeking documents that would explain who was investigated and how much money was reimbursed to the town.
- The town then released more details on Nov. 5, and included a statement defending its actions and clarifying other issues.
- A day later, the town park board met and announced its conclusions involving Hummitch.
The statement said the additional details of the investigation into other employees were released in order “to provide maximum transparency and to help clarify several points we believe have been mischaracterized,” the town statement said in part.
The moves come after calls by some people online and at town meetings to recover some of the misused money.
In complying with the Freedom of Information Act request, the town also issued a statement and then contacted other media, encouraging them to cover the issue.
The 19 pages included correspondences, exhibits, lists, and a redacted billing statement for a rental car used by Lincoln while on vacation in Hawaii.
In the statement, the town pointed out that the Indiana State Board of Accounts did not require any reimbursements and did not suggest any prosecutorial action be taken.
The responsibility of conducting an investigation was given to the town, the statement said.
The council also said that it remains committed to restoring and maintaining respect for taxpayer funds, and then added, “We also care deeply about transparency and accountability to our constituents, which is why we continue to respond to public concern and provide factual clarity in the face of speculation and misinformation.”
Town leaders have already enacted numerous changes in policy to prevent future problems outlined in the audit.
A longer list of purchases by Lincoln was determined to be reasonable and well-documented.
The town tried to put the circumstances into perspective.
“These purchases occurred during a time when formal standard operating procedures were underdeveloped,” and were made in good faith and served legitimate town purposes, the town said.
The town also reviewed a list of credit card purchases by Town Marshal Joe Hawn, but found those to be acceptable.
At the end of the statement, the town pointed out that the park board has authority over the park director, but did not mention that the park board meeting would be the next day.
The post Final results: Two workers reimburse Winona Lake for credit card use appeared first on News Now Warsaw.
