A new investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller’s office has revealed that employees of the Warren County EMS-Rescue Service (WCEMS) received wages totaling $23,834.40 for time worked at another entity or for time that was undocumented. Investigators found that two employees received a total of $3,514.60 in wages from WCEMS for hours in which they were working for a separate entity not associated with Warren County government. Comptroller investigators compared time sheets for both entities and noted 256 hours which overlapped.
Additionally, 12 employees received a total of $20,319.80 in wages from WCEMS for hours that had no documentation to support the employees were at work. Investigators have made several recommendations to improve accuracy and oversight of time worked. Warren County leaders indicate they are now implementing a time clock system that utilizes an employee’s thumbprint at WCEMS.
The investigative report also outlines concerns with the calculation and documentation of vacation, sick, and compensatory leave. Additional payroll problems are also noted in the report.
All of the findings and recommendations have been reviewed with the district attorney general for the Thirty-first Judicial District.
“Many of the problems noted in this report could have been avoided with improved oversight and better recordkeeping,” Comptroller Justin P. Wilson said. “I am pleased to see the county is taking steps to shore up weaknesses and stress the importance of accurate timesheets.”
If you suspect fraud, waste or abuse of public money in Tennessee, call the Comptroller’s toll-free hotline at (800) 232-5454, or file a report online at: www.comptroller.tn.gov/hotline.
