In a recent development, the Everett City Council has urged Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell to step in and reclaim $180,000 in erroneous payments made to Mayor Carlo DeMaria. The mayor's administration continues to reject requests to return these funds, complicating the city's budgetary plans. Additionally, the council sought an extra $200,000 for legal proceedings and implementing recommendations from the attorney general’s office regarding the overpayments. However, this allocation was also declined by the mayor’s office.
The Inspector General's report revealed that Mayor DeMaria received improper longevity payments totaling $180,000. These payments were concealed from both the City Council and the public. Furthermore, the report highlighted irregularities such as retroactive payments and unauthorized advances. There is also suspicion that the mayor might have breached state ethics laws when participating in drafting the ordinance related to these payments. While the Attorney General’s Office monitors the situation closely, it lacks jurisdiction to recover the funds directly.
Council's Stance on Recovering Misallocated Funds
The Everett City Council is determined to address the issue of misallocated funds stemming from overpayments to Mayor Carlo DeMaria. Citing obstruction from the mayor's administration, the council seeks external intervention from Attorney General Andrea Campbell. Sponsored by Councilor Robert Van Campen, a resolution aims to involve higher authorities in recovering the misplaced funds. Van Campen emphasized the necessity of court involvement to resolve disputes impartially.
At the heart of the matter lies the refusal of Mayor DeMaria to repay the $180,000 identified as overpayments in a detailed Inspector General's report. This investigation uncovered not only concealed payments but also improper financial transactions linked to the mayor. For instance, the city improperly paid the mayor $30,000 in retroactive longevity payments before enacting the relevant ordinance. Moreover, an advance of $1,700 was authorized under questionable circumstances. These actions have drawn scrutiny and calls for accountability. Councilor Stephanie Smith echoed support for AG Campbell's intervention, asserting that the mayor had previously expressed openness to her involvement. Despite these efforts, the mayor’s office remains unresponsive, with Chief of Staff Erin Devaney referencing prior non-action by federal authorities.
Investigative Findings and Ethical Concerns
An extensive three-year investigation conducted by the Inspector General unveiled significant discrepancies in the payment practices involving Mayor Carlo DeMaria. Key findings include concealed longevity payments amounting to $180,000, along with other irregularities like retroactive payments and unauthorized advances. Such discoveries raise serious ethical questions about the mayor's conduct in drafting ordinances affecting his own compensation.
The Inspector General's report meticulously outlined how the mayor and his administration managed the longevity payments without proper oversight or disclosure. Notably, $30,000 in retroactive payments were made before the official enactment of the ordinance, while an additional $1,700 was advanced under dubious conditions. These actions potentially violate state ethics laws, prompting further investigation into the mayor's role in creating and approving the ordinance. A spokesperson from the Attorney General’s Office acknowledged community concerns, stating their close monitoring of the issue. They clarified that while they do not possess direct jurisdiction to recover the funds, the city could pursue legal avenues independently. This complex scenario underscores the need for transparent governance and adherence to ethical standards in municipal leadership roles.