The Shadow
Covington’s City Council passed an “Ordinance” to provide the director of finance for the City of Covington to collect, have custody of and disburse all local taxes, revenues and funds for the City.
Council appointed B.B. Bryant, the head of finance and administration, to temporarily take on the treasurer’s position following the indictment of Covington Treasurer Theresa Ann Harrison by Virginia State Police on three felony counts of possession of Schedule II narcotics and one misdemeanor count of divulging confidential tax information.
The “Ordinance” was adopted in response to the charges that were filed against Harrison on July 19 in Campbell County, Va.
After Council voted to adjourn for a closed meeting, concerned citizens in the small gathering appealed to Sibold to be permitted to speak about the proceedings, and Sibold granted them time to make public comments before adjourning to an adjacent chamber.
More than one expressed concerns about inaccurate posts on “Facebook,” some by people making outrageous claims about being overcharged for services, and Sibold responded that audits for the City of Covington have been accurate for the past three years without any discrepancies.
Sibold said, “We talked to our attorney, our auditor and financial adviser, and they advised us to take this action.”
He explained that Bryant would be in charge of operations at the treasurer’s office on a temporary basis until Harrison has her day in court, and he noted that the trial may be two or three months away.
Sibold observed, “We are to look out for the best interest of the City.”
As for the fate of Harrison, Sibold noted that if she is found innocent of the charges, she will be free to resume her duties as treasurer.
He explained that if she is found guilty, then an election will be held for the treasurer’s position.
City Manager Krystal Onaitis explained that the authority in the case could be transferred to the city manager or the head of finance.
She noted, “We are dealing with this on the fly.”
“We will figure out with the attorney the way to proceed or with a judge,” she added.
She observed, “Only a judge can legally remove her (Harrison) from her position.”
Onaitis concluded, “It is very unfortunate that this has happened.”
After a discussion by some of the City of Covington’s employees with Onaitis, Sibold and members of Council concerning changes of their duties in the treasurer’s office, Council retired to hold its closed meeting in a separate chamber.
Part of the “Ordinance” stated, “…NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDAINED by the Covington City council that, pursuant to the Charter for the City of Covington, Chapter 5, Financial Administration, Section 5.021, the Director of Finance for the City of Covington and not the City Treasurer shall collect, have custody of and disburse all local taxes, revenues and funds which belong to the city and the consolidated school board or to which they or either are entitled….”
Sibold had read the entire “Ordinance” to those present after he called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. on July 19, in the Covington City Hall.
Bryant remained seated in the back of the room throughout the meeting and did not comment during the discussion concerning his new assignment.
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| Covington City Council passed an “Ordinance” that allows B. B. Bryant,
director of finance and administration, to substitute for the Covington City Treasurer. (Photo by M. Ray Allen) |
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| Covington City Mayor Tom Sibold granted citizens the opportunity to express their concerns at a called council meeting on July 19. (Photo by M. Ray Allen) |
