Posted on 05/16/2003 8:29:58 AM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
Two top executives of Salt Lake County's Fine Arts Division are on their way out and more employees may face discipline in connection with an ongoing investigation that has revealed "sloppy accounting" practices that could require a $1 million fix.
The County Mayor's Office is taking formal steps to terminate Division Director Marian Iwasaki and fiscal analyst Carol Martin-Mahoney as part of a review of the division's books dating back to 1999; the two employees previously were demoted and both have filed grievances.
Iwasaki, who oversaw the county's arts facilities and a $5.25 million budget, and Martin-Mahoney have been placed on paid leave while awaiting formal hearings before department director Leslie Reberg.
The county auditor, district attorney and mayor's staff are investigating the division's accounting practices, a review prompted by a whistle-blower's tip. A comprehensive audit is expected to be released publicly soon.
Martin-Mahoney could not be reached for comment Thursday. A message left at Iwasaki's home was returned by her attorney, Larry Keller, who said his client was aware that some disciplinary action had been taken, but he was still probing for more details. "We are attempting to learn more about this situation," Keller said. He declined further comment.
County Chief Administrative Office David Marshall said Thursday that Iwasaki and Martin-Mahoney were sent notices that the termination process had begun, but that the two would remain on leave until the hearing. "No formal action can be taken until those hearings are held," Marshall said.
Marshall does not expect any more terminations in the office, but says other employees may be disciplined. "We have to do some things with some other employees, but I can't talk about it," he said.
District Attorney David Yocom said his office still is investigating the division, but that no charges have been filed yet in connection with the review.
Details of the investigation are sparse, though County Council members briefed on the audit have said a $1 million transfer to the Fine Arts budget may be needed in June, when the council makes mid-year adjustments to the county's spending plan. If a budget fix is needed, the division would receive money from the Tourism, Recreation, Cultural and Convention (TRCC) tax fund, which already subsidizes the division's annual budget.
Iwasaki managed Abravanel Hall, Capitol Theatre, Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center and the County's Arts Center. She has worked for the county since 1975.
News of the county's action jolted the arts community Thursday.
"It comes as a shock," said Joann Woodbury, co-artistic director of the Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, which uses the Rose Wagner center. "I dealt with [Iwasaki] so often, and she had a big picture of what these facilities are intended for. I wish her well. She has given a great deal of her life to this facility."
At the Salt Lake Arts Center, director Ric Collier said mending the rift caused by the leadership change will be tough because arts groups had worked so well with Iwasaki during her tenure. "it took years for us to develop that kind of relationship," Collier said. "When a simple change like that gets made, there is a disruption with comfort and ease. [It's] unfortunate that any kind of change had to be made."
Martin-Mahoney is scheduled for a personnel hearing June 9, and Iwasaki has three dates set for July, 1, 2 and 9.
If the terminations are upheld, Iwasaki and Martin-Mahoney can appeal to the Career Services Council, a county board made up of residents that hears concerns from merit employees.
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