An investigation into Anderson County Government spending that lasted nine months produced a report more than 4 inches thick, which was handed out to county council members and the media after a called meeting Tuesday.
The financial audit on past county spending includes the severance package for past county administrator Joey Preston, county credit card spending and travel expenses.
News Channel 7's coverage partners at the Independent Mail report the investigation cost tax payers more than $650,000 dollars. But some citizens at Tuesday's meeting said it's worth it, to learn the truth.
"I'm not concerned with what was spent on this report and when it comes to bringing to light the corruption that I believe has existed in the county for several years, it's money well spent," said Rick Freemantle, Anderson County resident.
"Compare that to the amount that was spent to keep the information away from the public in this last administration, and I think this will be a drop in the bucket," said Turk Culberson, another Anderson County taxpayer.
In Preston's credit card expenses alone, the report states over the past 5 1/2 years he spent more than $60,000 without giving reasons, and more than $72,000 was spent with reasons given, but no documentation.
The report also states that more than $4.5 million dollars was spent on consultants, with most contracts and agreements approved only by Preston, without taking bids.
The county council chairman said it will take days to examine all findings, but he is working to have the report posed on-line for tax payers to review.
A second section of the investigation will look into possible legal consequences of the past county spending, but there's no word on when that will be released.
To read more from our coverage partners at the Independent Mail, click here.
Click the video link to hear what tax payers told News Channel 7's Carmen Coursey.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement