Gulf County, Fla. -
Commissioners in Gulf County will soon know the fate of their Tourist Development Council's head man. A recent audit says the executive director authorized and approved expenditures without the approval of the TDC Board and County Commission.
The conducted by Roberson & Associates shows more than $435,000 was paid out to Kerigan Marketing without the county's approval; and only $115,000 were allotted for that contract.
The owner of Kerigan Marketing is the executive director's brother. The TDC also used some BP money, but it wasn't used under the guidelines set forth by the "Memorandum of Understanding" between BP and the county.
"This is an opportunity for us to make sure that we put policies and procedures out front and for everyone to follow them and honestly there is a little blame to go around for everyone in some respect and we've got to have those checks and balances." Commissioner Warren Yeager says.
"Do I think abuse happened? Yes. Do I think there was incompetency that led to a culture of carelessness? Yes, Absolutely. But I think it's also important to say that these are good people. They didn't take money, they didn't profit individually from it. They made mistakes that are still guided by the law." Commissioner Bill Williams says.
Commissioner Williams vowed to fix the issues outlined by the audit. County commissioners expect to be briefed by the county administrator on the executive director's future by Tuesday.
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