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Youngstown Mayor Jamael Tito Brown fired Annette Klimko, general accounting manager of the city, after $5,632.50 of funds she was assigned to deposit in a bank went missing.
A termination letter to Klimko, which Mahoning Matters obtained through a public records request, was dated April 10.
The city’s board of control reportedly approved a $51,812.72 severance payment to her this week.
A city official has previously reportedly said the full amount has been repaid to the city.
Here is the termination letter from Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown. City officials have said the matter is still under investigation.
Dear Ms. Klimko:
On November 22, 2022, you were placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation involving a missing sum of money from the Finance Department. Pursuant to the Administrative Intemal Investigation that is being conducted, iust cause clearly exists for disciplinary action.
The following has already been gleaned during the investigation:
* On Friday, October 28, 2022, you left the Finance Department with four (4) money drop bags, containing $5,632.50 in cash and checks, which were to be dropped off at Huntington Bank in the lock box.
* On November 1, 2022, the Finance Director became aware that the deposit had not been made.
– When asked about the location of the funds you did not offer any plausible explanation of its whereabouts and as of this date, the deposit has not been located.
– The City’s letter dated November 22,2022, which was hand delivered to you on that date, clearly stated “You are also not permitted to visit your workplace or contact employees in the Finance Department.” You were insubordinate by contacting the Finance Director to discuss the pending case on November 25,2022 which may have compromised the investigation.
As a financial representative for the City, you were entrusted with the duty to ensure the safe deposit of the funds. Your actions in this case amounts, to insubordination, misfeasance and neglect of duty.
Due to the seriousness of the offenses, your employment is terminated, effective today, April 10, 2023.
Per the Youngstown Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations: Within ten (10) days following the filing of such order, the employee may file an appeal, in writing, with the Commission (unless that employee is serving in a position which is within a bargaining unit formed pursuant to Ohio Revised Code, Chapter 4l17, and the collective bargaining agreement prohibits such appeal to the Civil Service Commission). In the event such an appeal is filed, the Commission shall forthwith notify the Appointing Authority and shall hear, or appoint a trial board to hear, such appeal within thirty (30) days from the date itwasfiled. The Commission may affirm, disaffirm, or modify any action of the Appointing Authority. In cases of removal or reduction in pay for disciplinary reasons, either the Appointing Authority or tlte fficer or employee may appeal from the dectsion of the Commission to the Court of Common Pleas in accordance with the procedure provided by the Ohio
Revised Code, Section 119.12.
Tito Brown
Mayor, City of Youngstown
Cc: Finance
Risk Management
Law Department
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This story was originally published May 5, 2023, 11:55 AM.