Beaufort County Parks Director Cited for Ethics Violations
In the cozy town of Beaufort, a storm is brewing over ethics violations linked to former Parks and Recreation Director Shannon Loper. Recently, Loper has been under the spotlight for her actions while she headed the county’s parks department, and now, it’s clear that the South Carolina State Ethics Commission is taking her behavior very seriously.
Paying Family Raises Eyebrows
The saga began with complaints that suggested Loper authorized payments to her family members, including her four sons, totaling nearly $7,000. These payments were for coaching cheer camp and officiating sports as independent contractors for the Beaufort Parks and Recreation Department. Sounds a bit fishy, doesn’t it?
In her defense, Loper stated on a show hosted by former County Council member Mike Covert that she had a tough time finding qualified individuals to fill the vacant roles. She claimed she sought approval from former County Administrator Eric Greenway, financial officials, and even the county’s legal department, all of whom allegedly gave her the green light due to staffing shortages. However, the ethics commission found her actions violated South Carolina laws that prohibit public employees from making financial decisions that benefit family members economically.
Slapped with a Fine
As a result, she received a public reprimand, racking up a total of five counts against her along with a $1,000 civil penalty and a $500 administrative fee. Ouch! That’s quite a hefty fine for what she thought was just trying to support her family.
And It Doesn’t Stop There
$2,500, which, surprisingly, came in $1,800 cheaper than individual hotel rooms would have cost. Quite the budget-friendly move!
However, things took a turn when it was revealed that while the van was being used for both personal outings and conference-related activities, the costs were shared among the group, meaning the county didn’t shoulder any extra expenses. Sounds like she’s got a knack for balancing work and leisure! But wait, it gets a little sticky again – Loper was found to have authorized her own reimbursements for daily expenses after the conference, which is a potential violation of ethics rules prohibiting self-authorization. Although the commission found probable cause, they decided to forego any punitive actions. Talk about a mixed bag!
Not Just Loper
It’s worth noting that Loper isn’t the only one being investigated for ethical misbehavior in Beaufort County. She is just the tip of the iceberg, as at least nine complaints alleging unethical behavior have been filed against various county employees. This includes two complaints against Greenway, and a handful against other former officials. It seems there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface in Beaufort than meets the eye!
As the community waits for the dust to settle over these allegations, it’s clear the ethical landscape of Beaufort County is under scrutiny like never before. The ethical integrity of public officials is paramount, and as residents, it’s crucial to remain informed about the conduct of those who are supposed to serve in the best interest of all constituents.
What do you think about this situation? Is Loper getting a fair shake, or is it about time for some accountability? The conversation is just heating up around town!
