in all areas unless otherwise specifically stated, has become increasingly concerned about the operation of the Seagoville Economic Development Corporation.
The SEDC Board of Directors (Board) has responded in a forceful and definitive manner in reorganizing and reviewing the financial operations of the SEDC. The Mayor and City Council members have been provided an opportunity to review the results of the external forensic audit, and the City Council agrees with the Board’s actions in making a definitive and decisive change; and, seek to improve future operations of the SEDC.
While the City Council is appreciative of all the efforts of the SEDC to enhance its economic stability and tax base, there must be transparency and strong fiscal control to ensure trust of the citizens regarding the expenditure of sales tax funds for economic development growth. The past actions of the SEDC administration and the executive function of the SEDC in recent months has caused great concern by the members of the City Council. The external forensic audit findings support the Boards’ actions and the City Council is supportive of the Board’s decisive response to those findings.
On three (3) separate occasions at a posted City Council meeting the alleged involvement of City personnel regarding the misappropriation and misuse of SEDC funds was discussed in Executive Session. Prior to such posted meetings, the City Manager met with the Mayor and each City Council member individually, the City Attorney and with Law Enforcement Officials to discuss the allegations. After a review of the alleged expenditure involving City personnel and discussions with the City Manager, the City Council was satisfied that there had been no criminal conduct by any City personnel. While there has been a great deal of speculation by some members of the public concerning City officials, there is no credible evidence to support any malfeasance or any misfeasance. The operations of the SEDC have been closely monitored since August of 2013 and the City Council is confident that the Board is moving in a positive direction. The City Council supports that information and documentation has been turned over to appropriate law enforcement officials for review and action. City personnel have, without restraint, responded to and cooperated with Law Enforcement Officials.
Additionally, the City Attorney has kept the City Council apprised of the continuing criminal investigation and threats of litigation against the City by the former President/CEO of the Seagoville Economic Development Corporation. We are satisfied there is absolutely no cover-up by the City Manager, City Attorney and/or any city employee.
If such information does become available which would indicate that there has been any type of misconduct, the City Council has pledged that it will quickly move to respond and correct such situations. Members of the City Council are pleased that all City personnel have cooperated in any internal review of this matter and brought these matters forward to the Board and City Council with full and transparent disclosure. We are unaware of any credible evidence to indicate any misappropriation or other inappropriate actions by any member of the current City Staff involving SEDC operations or the expenditure of any funds. The City Council supports the Administration and finds the City personnel to be beyond reproach and look to moving forward in cooperation with the SEDC Board of Directors to truly make the City of Seagoville, “The City of Opportunity”.