Concordia Recreation District Audit Shows Improper Use of Equipment, Ethics Violations, Excessive Board Compensation

An investigative audit into complaints received about the operations of Concordia Parish Recreation District No. 1 showed several possible violations of state law and the Louisiana Constitution, the Legislative Auditor said in a report released today.

Auditors found that the Recreation District’s director used District lawn mowers to cut grass for family members, a local church, and the former Board chairman. In addition, he occasionally used the District’s charge account to pay for fuel for the mowers.

In addition, between May 2014 and November 2015, the District paid $3,450 for transportation services to two businesses owned and operated by an immediate family member of the then Board chairman. State ethics laws prohibit public officials – including appointed board members – from engaging in any transactions involving their offices that might benefit them personally.

Auditors also found that between December 2015 and May 2016, the District paid $44,500 to a local house painting and remodeling company to remodel two buildings. Although the work was considered a public works project, the District failed to use a licensed contractor, allowed work to be performed without a written contract, and failed to require the contractor to provide a surety bond – all of which are required by law, the state auditor said.

The audit showed as well that Board members received per diem payments in excess of the amount allowed by the law that created the District, and that the former Board chairman was paid per diem for meetings he did not attend.

The audit also found that between January 2013 and December 2015, the District donated $65,883 in public money to at least 14 organizations without proper documentation. The Louisiana Constitution forbids the donation of public funds unless an entity can show it received something of equal value in return.