Auditor: Taxpayers foot bill for ex-employee’s trips to salon

Former Oxford Visitors and Convention Bureau executive director used public money for private purchases, according to audit.

Taxpayers picked up the tab for a former employee’s days of pampering and parking tickets, according to an audit of the Oxford Visitors and Convention Bureau released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost. Findings for recovery in the audit total more than $9,500.

In May 2012, members of the board approached Executive Director Diana Durr about personal purchases made with the bureau’s credit card. Durr resigned her position with board members who declined then to comment on why the former College Coroner resident left after 10 years of service.

From Jan 1, 2008, through May 25, 2012, auditors found 90 purchases totaling $4,261 made by Durr that were not made for proper public purposes, including purchases of haircuts and styling, manicures, pet food and pet supplies, veterinary bills, personal medical bills, alcohol, and women’s clothing.

Durr also admitted that an additional 46 purchases totaling $3,070 that lacked documentation were personal charges she made. A finding for recovery in the amount of $7,331 was issued against Durr. For these improper charges, a balance of $2,130 remains unpaid to date.

Durr also used other bureau funds, such as petty cash, to make $2,426 in personal and unsupported purchases, according to the audit. The money went toward things such as parking tickets, CDs and magazines. She also made out several checks to “cash,” and did not include supporting documentation. A finding for recovery in the amount of $2,426 was issued against Durr.

Upon the confrontation by the board, Durr submitted a letter of resignation on May 25, 2012. On May 30, the board accepted her resignation. In the letter, Durr stated that she would reimburse the bureau for the outstanding charges and interest on the credit card no later that June 30, 2012.

“Just because you’re in possession of the credit card doesn’t mean it’s yours to use for a shopping spree,” Yost said in a prepared statement. “Under no circumstances should taxpayers ever have to foot the bill for trips to the salon.”

The findings in this audit are being forwarded to Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser who said he would review the finding to determine if criminal charges are warranted.

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