LFD Business Admin. Issues Self Unapproved Payment for $80k

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.

Presently, the board reviews payments made out of one the LFD accounts, but the payroll account has not been subject to review because payments on that account are assumed to be routine. Loigman advised in a conversation with The Lakewood Shopper that he would like to see that practice changed and have the Commissioners oversee both accounts. Loigman advised, “I am not aware that there was any agreement with the Business Administrator as regards her retirement bonus. But I did mention that our procedures are deficient if thay can allow a payment of that size to be made without review from the board.”

While the legal review of Dowd’s check may take some time, for some, the fact that she did this on her very last day, calls into question her trustworthiness throughout her career. “How do I know she didn’t just issue herself the same kind of money last year while no one was looking?” said one frustrated taxpayer. “If I were to issue myself that kind of payment at work, I’m sure I’d have the police waiting for me when I got home.” Indeed that’s likely what would happen in any business that found an employee misusing company funds. Further concerning is that the payment was made by direct deposit. “How do I know she didn’t use that account to buy stuff on ebay, or pay her bills?” said another taxpayer upset over the situation. At the same time as this event has raised serious concern amongst taxpayers, the good-hearted and devoted volunteer firefighters have noted that they feel incredibly betrayed by Dowd’s action. Dowd’s self-issued goodbye present only highlights the absolute disfunctionality of the LFD’s financial department. This is perhaps the most unnerving realization of the situation.

The sad truth is that a legal inquiry, while nice, should not have been the first recourse. The first recourse should have been the same as any other business when an employee steals, call the police. The second step should have been to get the payment reversed immediately for at this time no justification for the payment has been made. If indeed by some stretch it can be proved that this money is owed to her it can always be made afterward with proper clearance and authorization. But justification must be made before it is passed. Unfortunately, it seems that there is no hurry on that end. (As reported by Everything Lakewood)