Dunkirk fiscal officer denies theft allegation, says state audit is routine

DUNKIRK — Fiscal Officer Spencer told the Village of Dunkirk Board of Public Affairs on July 15 that a rumor alleging wrongdoing was false and that an upcoming audit is part of the village’s required two-year audit cycle.

“I wish to go on the record in response to a rumor that made its way to a friend of mine. The person passing this information to her alleges that she got it directly from her friend, the mayor. First, the audit was not requested by the mayor, but part of a required 2-year audit sequence. Second, there was no money missing or stolen by me, which will be proven when the audit is released by the State. Third, I have no plans on suing the village. And lastly, I am not filing a BWC claim,” Spencer said in a statement entered into the meeting minutes.

Mayor Cramer responded during the meeting, saying she had not made the statements attributed to her. The mayor added that, while she and Spencer have had differences over the years, she was never concerned that Spencer had stolen funds or acted dishonestly.

Beyond the statement, the board handled routine operational and financial business. Barnett moved to approve the prior meeting minutes with a clerical correction — changing the fourth word in the final paragraph from "any" to "an" — a motion that Drake seconded and the board approved 3-0.

Superintendent Hackworth reported operational updates: a new dehumidifier was delivered and is functioning, a leaky flange on the water softener will be repaired, and ARCA crews have been marking GPS locations around town. Hackworth also said a stuck valve caused the high water readings during demolition at 130 Pioneer; the valve has been fixed and the usage will appear on the next bill.

Spencer and Hackworth discussed procuring a leak detector. Hackworth said he would prefer to have Aqualine work with him to ensure the correct unit is purchased; he also said he would check with Artesian of Pioneer for a written copy of quote DK-062322-Q that the auditor had requested and that the village needs for its files.

Spencer said she had given Hershberger an AEP voicemail number to schedule a meter changeover that will require brief power outages at some locations; Hackworth said he would schedule service for lift station No. 9 and the water plant after receiving account numbers.

Drake moved to approve the bills as presented, including vendor line items recorded in the minutes; Barnett seconded and the motion passed on a 3-0 roll call. The board then voted 3-0 to adjourn to its next regular meeting on Aug. 12, 2024.

The board’s minutes record Spencer’s statement verbatim and note that the state audit result will be released later; the meeting packet did not include any allegation documentation beyond the rumor described by Spencer.