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Internal auditor report on Connolly Mill event draws criticism; council tables Safari at the Quarry audit and approves P-card audit
Summary
The countys internal auditor presented two audits: an inconclusive review of the Safari at the Quarry events at Connolly Mill Park was tabled after debate and public comment; a purchase-card audit that found procedural gaps but no material misuse was accepted by the council.
Wicomico Countys internal auditor, Angelie Chatel, presented two audit reports May 6, 2025: an audit of events held at the Connolly Mill property (Safari at the Quarry) and a separate audit of county purchase-card controls. The council tabled the Connolly Mill audit and approved the purchase-card audit after extended discussion and public comment.
Chatel said the Connolly Mill audit examined contract controls, event oversight and documentation for Safari at the Quarry and related events on county property. She concluded the programs design was "inconclusive at this early stage of developing events at the Connolly Mill property," and listed six findings and recommendations including better written rental or permit procedures, clearer contract duties, pre- and post-event safety inspections, and methods to track completion of contractual duties. Chatel said some departments did not provide supporting documents requested for the audit.
Several public commenters criticized the county executives handling of the Connolly Mill events. Mike Goldberg, a resident and former commercial lender, said the financial and economic-impact statements lacked supporting documentation and called the materials "garbage," adding allegations that required permits and advertised notices were not properly done. Other speakers from the Shadow Hills neighborhood and event opponents said management responses were misleading and alleged stonewalling by the executives office.
Council members debated whether to accept the audit as presented or to request further work. One council member proposed tabling the Connolly Mill audit so the council could prepare a formal response. The motion to table passed by a 4-2 vote; the chair voted in favor and the meeting record shows the resolution (49-2025) will be tabled 4-2.
After tabling the Connolly Mill item, Chatel presented an audit of county purchase-card usage and controls. She concluded the purchase-card programs design was at a satisfactory level but identified six findings and other observations. These included missing or incomplete supporting documentation for a subset of tested transactions (initially 78 of 518 tested transactions lacked support), occasional splitting of transactions that could circumvent procurement limits, gaps in the p-card manual and profile controls, and late or missing monthly reconciliations (22 of 93 reconciliations were not timely). Chatel recommended management implement improved documentation controls, review business needs for card assignments, and consult with counsel on whether the purchase-card manual requires council approval.
Council discussion of the purchase-card audit emphasized the need for stronger controls and follow-up by finance. Following the presentation, the council approved the purchase-card audit resolution by voice vote; the internal auditor said the report and management responses will be posted on the county website.
The Connolly Mill audit generated several additional public comments at the meeting. Commenters alleged missing erosion-and-sediment-control permits and disputed the executives characterization of public notification. Several citizens urged a forensic review and more complete documentation; others praised the auditor for bringing issues to light. The council directed further consideration and will take next steps after the tabling motion.
