Celina’s former city clerk indicted on charges she used Celina’s debit and fuel cards for personal use.
Tabitha Sue Short accused of misappropriating more than $1,148 for cigarettes, food, drinks, toys, and clothing. She also used the card to pay a personal utility bill, according to the Comptroller’s Office investigation. There were other questionable charges noted in the investigation.
Short also received compensation for unused vacation time, a violation of Celina policy.
A Clay County Grand Jury indicted Short on one count of theft of property less than $1,000.
The Comptroller’s office also found more than $2,800 in questionable food charges made by other city employees on the city’s charge accounts. The Comptroller’s Office noted the lack of a policy surrounding food purchases in the city’s employee oversight.
“This case highlights the importance of supervision, accountability, and clearly written policies,” Comptroller Jason Mumpower said. “City governments must ensure that financial duties are separated, policies are in place, and purchases are properly documented and approved.”