CCP 01-23-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dear Arden Hills resident: . On December 9, a former City employee was charged with the theft of approximately $225,000 of City funds. While we were fully aware of the investigation by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department for some time, we were unable to publicly address it until charges were filed. Although you may have heard about this situation in the area media, here's a brief recap about what transpired over the past six months, 1) On June 27, 2005, the City of Arden Hills staff became aware of some irregularities involving City finances. We immediately contacted the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department, initiated a complaint and pledged our full cooperation with the investigation. 2) The City then retained an audit firm to conduct a review of similar transactions during the six years the employee worked for the City, We determined the amount of funds missing, and we turned the records over to the Sheriff's Department. 3) We discharged the employee under investigation, based on dishonesty in the performance of duties.. 4) We modified and strengthened our financial procedures and internal controls, including our yearly independent audits, and have incorporated changes that we believe will make theft more difficult. . Because you may be concerned about the impact of this theft on the City's financial stability, we can assure you that we've always taken the precaution of insuring against theft As a result, the loss of these City funds will be covered by the League of Minnesota Cities' Insurance Trust. We want you to know that the City Council and staff are profoundly disappointed in the actions taken by this former employee, It's always discouraging to find that the presumption of honesty that we regularly extend in our daily lives to employees, colleagues and others has been disrupted, It's especially discouraging when the actions of a public servant jeopardize the trust that citizens vest in their local government. As we begin the New Year, we are confident in the dedication of our City staff, and we'll continue striving to provide you with the best and most cost-effective City services possible, If you have any questions or wish to discuss this issue with us, please call the City oflices at (phone number), Sincerely, Draft 1/9/06 .