Taxpayers and elected officials alike were shocked to learn that former Lakewood Fire Department Administrator Megan Dowd issued herself a check in the amount of approximately $80,000 when she left her post. Apparently, Dowd, who in her capacity had control over the payroll account of the LFD felt this was what was coming to her for her accumulated sick and unused vacation days.
At Monday evening’s public fire meeting Commissioner Larry Loigman brought the matter up in the open session and requested a full review of this payment. Loigman made a motion to direct the LFD attorney to look into applicable law, Dowd’s attendance record, whether a retirement bonus is even mentioned in Dowd’s contract and any other relevant data. The board of Commissioners adopted the motion by a four to one vote with Commissioner Mannik voting against it.
