Masiongale Receives Vote Of Confidence From 911 Board

Overton/Pickett Emergency Communications District Director Chris Massiongale received an overwhelming vote of confidence by district board members Monday night.

The vote coming despite of the state comptroller’s investigation report that questioned the spending of nearly $85,000 in district funds under Massiongale’s watch.

The expenditures in question date from July, 2015 to July, 2017.

11 of the 13 district board members gave a vote of confidence in Massiongale, who said he felt overwhelmed.

“It means everything to me. This has been my life for the past 20-years,” Massiongale said. “33-years in this business and I want to continue it and do better.”

Massiongale did not deny the findings in the comptroller’s report, but admitted he may have made some mistakes.

“I’m not aware of any instance in which 911 funds were used for personal benefit of myself or others while I’ve been in this position,” Massiongale said. “I have made mistakes throughout my career and I’ve always brought those mistakes to this board. I have minutes to show that and to prove that.

Massiongale, Finance Adviser Scott Leduc, and Board Attorney Mike Mahn made it clear Monday night that many of the mistakes had already been corrected with updated policies, which were presented to board members Monday night.

Board Chairman Stanley Carter Jr. said the board takes advice from legal, audit findings, and CPA to make the best decisions.

“We are looked at like somehow we’ve just been running this place blind,” Carter said. “I feel like we have done a very good job if you look at what this 911 organization has done.”

In the wake of the report, Carter recommended several changes that need to be made.

He recommended an annual performance review of Massiongale and lowering the director’s spending limit from $5,000 to $500. He also wants to see financial information sent to board members before meetings that include all expenditures and dollar amount.

“What we’ve been getting up to this point is just a line item sheet that gives you the broad picture of the budget, rather than getting down into the minutia,” Carter said. “I want to see these expenditures.”

Other changes include holding board meeting on a monthly basis until further notice, no more food or drink purchases by 911, and adopting a nepotism policy prohibiting relatives in chain of command.

Those recommendations will be voted on during the boards next monthly meeting.

In the meantime, Massiongale said the meeting has given him some closure.

“I’m looking forward to the future and going forward,” Massiongale said. “I’ve always been an open book and will continue to be an open book.