Richmond’s misuse of $1.2 million in streetlight maintenance
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond city officials are in hot water after a report found misuse of over $1 million meant for streetlight maintenance. The report came from findings of the Office of the City Auditor (OCA) that evaluated the city streetlights. The audit found that city officials did not properly manage the streetlight maintenance contract, which led to at least $1.2 million in discrepancies. Of the $1.2 million identified as potentially unallowable, overbilled or questionable charges, $754,614 was for an assistant project manager and consulting services. The audit also found over $161,272 in overbilled costs for vehicles, equipment and labor that was not actually purchased or completed, as well as $289,405 in questionable equipment costs. The city’s Streetlight Division manages around 37,000 streetlights across Richmond and hasn't been fully staffed since 2014. The audit also found that the streetlight maintenance contract was not properly administered or managed by city staff and the issues could have been prevented. In the meantime, the Richmond City Council Office and Inspector General will continue investigating fraud. The report said more details from the audit will be released in phases, including the efficiency and effectiveness of the streetlights.
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond city officials are in hot water after a report found misuse of over $1 million meant for streetlight maintenance.
The report came from findings of the Office of the City Auditor (OCA) that evaluated the city streetlights.
The audit found that city officials did not properly manage the streetlight maintenance contract, which led to at least $1.2 million in discrepancies.
Of the $1.2 million identified as potentially unallowable, overbilled or questionable charges, $754,614 was for an assistant project manager and consulting services. The audit also found over $161,272 in overbilled costs for vehicles, equipment and labor that was not actually purchased or completed, as well as $289,405 in questionable equipment costs.
The city’s Streetlight Division manages around 37,000 streetlights across Richmond and hasn't been fully staffed since 2014.
The audit also found that the streetlight maintenance contract was not properly administered or managed by city staff and the issues could have been prevented.
In the meantime, the Richmond City Council Office and Inspector General will continue investigating fraud.
The report said more details from the audit will be released in phases, including the efficiency and effectiveness of the streetlights.
