Harvey Resigns after Three Months

Pickens County Chief Financial Officer Faye Harvey has tentaviley resigned from her position with the county after only three months service.Sole Commissioner Robert Jones announced tonight at the December commissioner meeting that Harvey has tentatively submitted her resignation. Jones said Harvey will work as CFO through December 26th. When asked, Jones said that Harvey did not give a reason for her resignation, but that the county would soon issue a press release. Present at the meeting, Harvey was silent on the issue.

Mrs. Harvey began the position on September 25th, after then CFO Mechelle Champion abruptly resigned. At the time of her resignation, Champion did not give a reason for her resignation either.

Champion’s departure came after a series of controversial financial issues, including the Young Life of Texas settlement, where the county was required to pay $400,000.

Following Champion’s departure, Commissioner Jones ordered an audit, which, he said, was customary when a financial officer leaves a position. Completed in November, the audit came back clean, however, showing only slight carelessness.

Last week, Jones and Harvey presented the 2013 budget, where the two were faced with numerous questions about certain increases, particularly a $71,710 increase for Animal Control, which seemed to leave questions among citizens.

Harvey’s resignation also leaves questions. FYN has requested a statement from Harvey and Jones on the resignation and will report once we receive a response. FYN has also asked Commissioner Jones if he will order another audit or if that will be a decision for the incoming board in January.

FYN will follow this story as details become available.

Commissioner Jones also announced that he approved the 2013 budget.