KID Internal Investigation Uncovers Misuse of District Equipment
KENNEWICK - Action News is learning more about allegations that Kennewick Irrigation District workers were misusing your ratepayer dollars.
KID offices shut down for most of the day Wednesday for an emergency staff meeting.
There are claims that multiple staffers have been taking home district equipment. Allegations that employees have been using trucks, trailers, lawnmowers and chainsaws for personal use. That's equipment residents paid for.
Here's the fallout so far -- management put two workers on paid leave. One, the operations manager, has already stepped down after a disciplinary hearing.
Action News asked the District Manager Charles Freeman how long it has been going on.
"I don't know. Possibly for some time. Today I gave staff a verbal warning. KID is evolving. We're going to own our mistakes of the past," said Freeman.
The matter is now getting forwarded to the state auditor.
KID offices shut down for most of the day Wednesday for an emergency staff meeting.
There are claims that multiple staffers have been taking home district equipment. Allegations that employees have been using trucks, trailers, lawnmowers and chainsaws for personal use. That's equipment residents paid for.
Here's the fallout so far -- management put two workers on paid leave. One, the operations manager, has already stepped down after a disciplinary hearing.
Action News asked the District Manager Charles Freeman how long it has been going on.
"I don't know. Possibly for some time. Today I gave staff a verbal warning. KID is evolving. We're going to own our mistakes of the past," said Freeman.
The matter is now getting forwarded to the state auditor.
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