Two high-level Fort Myers Beach government employees placed on administrative leave
Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Will McKannay has placed two of his most senior underlings on administrative leave as part of a review of the procurement practices for certain grants and contracts.
Fort Myers Beach Public Information Officer Abigail Eberhart identified the two employees on administrative leave as Community Services Director Jeff Hauge and Community Development Director Frank Kropacek.
The Town of Fort Myers Beach issued the following statement this morning regarding the actions:
“The Town has initiated an independent review of procurement and administration practices related to certain grants and contracts. As a precautionary step to protect the integrity of that review, two employees have been placed on administrative leave.
The Town takes its stewardship of public funds seriously and will share appropriate updates as the findings of the review progresses.”
In response to questions from the Fort Myers Beach Observer seeking further details, Eberhart said the two administrators were placed on administrative leave “following concerns identified through the Town’s internal grant and contract review process as staff were reviewing the expenditure of public funds.”
Following concerns that were brought to McKannay’s attention, “a timely initial inquiry was conducted, and both employees were placed on administrative leave while a full review is underway. This action was taken in accordance with the Town’s personnel procedures,” Eberhart said.
“The Town is conducting a thorough and fair review and gathering all relevant facts and evidence. We ask for the community’s patience and respect for the process as this work continues,” Eberhart said.
When the review is complete, McKannay “will hold a public Town Hall in a timely manner dedicated to this matter. The Town Manager will present the findings directly to the community, explain the actions taken and the plan moving forward, and take questions from residents in person. Residents will have the opportunity to ask their questions directly and hear directly from Town leadership,” Eberhart said.
“The Town is committed to protecting public funds, maintaining the public’s trust, and providing residents with a direct and transparent accounting of this matter once the review is complete,” Eberhart wrote in an email.
Town of Fort Myers Beach Mayor Dan Allers (second from left) speaks during the resiliency meeting at Town Hall with Jeff Hauge (left to right), Fort Myers Beach Councilmember John King, Frank Kropacek and Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Will McKannay. Photo by Nathan Mayberg
McKannay has briefed Town of Fort Myers Beach councilmembers regarding his actions to place the employees on administrative leave.
“Two employees are on paid administrative leave while the Town conducts an independent review of certain grant and contracting practices. This is precautionary, not disciplinary, and we’ll provide updates as appropriate,” Allers said.
Allers referred questions regarding which grants and contractive services are being looked into back to staff.
A message left with Eberhart and McKannay asking which contracts and grants were being reviewed, was not immediately responded to.
Fort Myers Beach Observer Editor Nathan Mayberg can be reached at NMayberg@breezenewspapers.com