The former mayor of the Democratic Federalist Party, whose clothing costs are under investigation, sent a check to the controversial council chief executive, according to an email.
Chancellor Audrey Wells was mayor of Central and Eastern Antrim in 2016-2017 with a clothing tax of over 2,30000.
But when the council was asked about its spending ahead of the 2019 elections, he said it only spent 190,190.
It launched the investigation in January after revealing “differences and problems” in its responses under the Freedom of Information Act.
Ms Wells said she sent a check at the time, which paid for most of her board expenses, to stop the “electrically motivated questions”.
However, the check was not cashed.
Now it turns out that the board’s CEO, Ann Donaghy, received the check.
In an April 2019 email seen on Belfast Live, Ms Donaghy told a colleague that she had received a check for most expenses.
She wrote: “I would like to inform you that I received a check for $92,192.90 from Cllr Audrey Wales to pay a clothing claim during her tenure as mayor.
“Sincerely, Anna.”
A Freedom of Information request for details of Ms Wells’ expenditures was filed in March 2019, two months before the local government elections.
According to the Information Act, public authorities must respond immediately and within 20 working days.
However, the answer came just three weeks after the May elections.
A new FOIA response earlier this year revealed that Ms. Wells requested a total of 38,2382.90 for clothing costs, including 36,636.90 for four dresses, 210,210 for a jacket and 76,44 for knitwear.
Ms Wells said she sent a second check and reimbursed most of the costs after learning that the first had not been processed. It is known that this happened at the end of last year.
The Balmena adviser said he acted “at all times” “on the instructions of council officials.”
The latest response to the information stated that “After internal review, the elected member paid 92,192.90 to the Board of Directors.”
Ms. Donahue’s lawyer has been contacted for comment.
The Mid and East Antrim board of directors has been embroiled in controversy for months, including allegations of bullying, senior staff absenteeism and police raids of its headquarters on misconduct charges.
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Controversy escalated surrounding the board of directors over a controversial decision last year to lay off staff who were conducting Brexit-related checks over alleged security concerns from Port Larney.
Ms Donah has been criticized for sending a divided letter to the UK government on the advice of three DUP MPs, raising concerns about the Northern Ireland protocol.
A BBC Spotlight investigation has reported that a police investigation is linked to alleged attempts by the council to delete information required under the Freedom of Information Act, indicating that it sent the message to several party politicians.
Ms. Donaghy was released in December during a separate investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment. He categorically denied any wrongdoing and took legal action against the board of directors, alleging discrimination.
The new incumbent was hired last month at a cost of 601,060 per day, but left his job after three weeks due to health issues.
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Source: Belfastlive
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