HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_0761 (2)he learned there was a law stating that federal money could not be used to pay salaries when
individuals were on sabbaticals.
Commissioner Johnson said he understood the VisionsWork Board had approved the
sabbatical; however, he said the matter was not mentioned when the day reporting center concept
was first introduced to the commissioners and later approved.
Burton said that at that time, he didn't know the Z. Smith Reynold's Foundation would
award the sabbatical to him. Mr. Burton said the sabbatical allowed him to have a vacation while
at the same time draw a salary to pay his bills. He said, otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to
leave for three months.
Commissioner Johnson said he felt Mr. Burton should have informed the Juvenile Crime
Prevention Council and the board of commissioners when the sabbatical was awarded. Johnson
J` said he thought the arrangement had been misleading. He said the money given to Mr. Burton
during the three months could have been given to the individuals that were supposed to be helped
in the program -- troubled youth.
Commissioner Ray asked how much compensation money had been received by Mr.
Burton during the sabbatical.
Burton said $3,300 for November, December and January.
Ray asked who operated the program while Mr. Burton was away.
He said his assistant, Mr. Ferguson.
Ray asked Mr. Burton how much money he had received from all sources during the
sabbatical.
Burton said he received compensation from each county that utilized his program
(Forsyth, Rowan & Iredell). Mr. Burton said 14% of his salary was from federal funds. He said
none of it was in Juvenile Justice funds (JCPC).
Commissioner Ray asked Mr. Burton how he learned federal funds could not be used
during a sabbatical.
Mr. Burton said he appeared before the board of commissioners to give an update on the
program and mentioned he had just returned from a sabbatical. He said the next day, the county's
finance director notified him of the law.
Commissioner Bowles asked about other expenditures during the sabbatical.
Burton said part of his health insurance came from federal funds and some of his cell
phone costs.
Commissioner Ray asked if reimbursements were made for these expenditures.
Burton said the federal government only requested his salary. He said none of the services
for the children had been denied. Mr. Burton said no funds had been misappropriated.
Commissioner Ray said she understood that VisionsWork served three different counties.
She asked if $3,300 was received from each county.
Burton said he received different amounts from the counties.
Ray asked if Burton received compensation from all three counties during the sabbatical.
Burton said yes.