Concerns over questionable credit card expenditures took center stage at the Beaver County Commissioners Work Session on October 1, 2025. A commissioner raised alarms about a surge in dubious charges linked to county credit cards, particularly within the district attorney's office.

The commissioner highlighted that recent purchases included small, questionable charges, such as two Starbucks transactions and a staggering $3,200 spent on promotional items like compact mirrors and stress balls, which bore the personal name of the district attorney. This raised eyebrows, as the items appeared to serve more as campaign materials than legitimate promotional tools for county programs.

The commissioner emphasized the need for clearer guidelines in the county's purchasing policy, specifically regarding credit card use for networking events and promotional items. "These types of giveaways are below him as the VA, and general fund money should not be spent on campaign materials," the commissioner stated, urging for accountability and a repayment from the district attorney.

In addition to addressing the inappropriate charges, the commissioner called for immediate revisions to the purchasing policy to prevent future misuse. The proposed changes would establish clear rules for credit card usage and restrictions on certain types of purchases, ensuring taxpayer money is spent appropriately.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for policy reform was clear, with the commissioner reiterating the importance of safeguarding public funds and maintaining transparency in county expenditures. The next steps will involve drafting amendments to the purchasing policy to address these pressing concerns.