BOE investigating illegal dump truck purchase

WEBUTUCK — The Board of Education is looking into the illegal purchase of a dump truck.

The board was approached last spring with a proposition to buy a new truck. According to district Superintendent Richard Johns, the board was willing to put $8,000 toward a new truck, providing that the old truck was sold for at least $20,000.

The old truck went out to bid and the highest came back below $16,000. The board voted not to purchase the new vehicle.

"At this point, it was over and done with, literally," said Johns.

Johns reported that a purchase order was filled out for the new truck in the event the old truck went out for bid again.

"Unfortunately, people that weren’t involved in the discussion at the board level sent the PO out," Johns said. He said it was someone in the business and maintenance departments. "It was unknown to me and the business manager that it happened."

The truck was delivered to Webutuck and remained there for a period of time before the board sent it back.

"The board was vehemently opposed to doing anything but returning the vehicle," board President Dale Culver said. "The purchase order was written in May. I have no idea why anyone would write a purchase order after the board had voted it down. The process dragged on and it was just so ridiculous and stupid."

The cost to both deliver and return the vehicle was nonrefundable, and has ended up costing the taxpayer more than $1,100.

"This was something that never should have happened," Johns said. "It shouldn’t have happened without my authorization, and I clearly knew where we stood on the situation. I was supportive of the plan only if we could get the right price for the old truck, and I obviously wouldn’t have condoned this."

Several weeks ago the board asked an attorney to look into the "chronological set of circumstances" that led up to the purchase, according to Culver. The attorney has not gotten back to the board.

"It’s very much a sore point for the board," he said, "and underneath it all, it’s just another example of what I’m up against here. When we’re laying off teachers and trying to position ourselves for the current economic situation, something like this really provokes my ire."

While Culver said that he’s still waiting to look at receipts and invoices, he stressed that there needs to be a two-step process for capital purchases.

"There is going to be a limit set for money in the business office, that any purchases above $2,000 will need the superintendent’s signature."

Johns reported that new regulation is already in place.

"Every company tries to have tight control measures. We’re working to make sure that something like this can’t happen again."

Millerton resident and taxpayer Chip Barrett called the mistake unacceptable.

"Whoever ordered the truck should pay for it," he argued. "Especially during these times. And the attorney to investigate into the situation is even more of an expense for us. While $1,100 might not be that much money, it shows me that the district is still not serious about saving money, and we need to get serious soon."