FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — The town has placed two employees on administrative leave while an independent review examines procurement and administration practices related to certain grants and contracts.
The town council confirmed the names of the employees. Frankie Kropacek and Jeff Hauge have been placed on paid leave. WINK News reached out to both men but did not immediately hear back.
According to the staff directory, Kropacek is the community development director. Hauge is the parks and rec community director.
According to a press release, the town initiated the review as part of its commitment to proper stewardship of public funds. The administrative leave is described as a precautionary step to protect the integrity of the ongoing review.
“The Town is conducting a thorough and fair review and gathering all relevant facts and evidence,” Fort Myers Beach Public Information Officer Abigail Eberhart said. “We ask for the community’s patience and respect for the process as this work continues.”
The town did not specify which grants and contracts are under review. Eberhart said the employees do not have anything to do with the town’s emergency funds, which are lowered from Hurricane Ian, or FEMA grant funding.
Town Manager Will McKannay will hold a public town hall in a “timely manner” to present the findings, Eberhart said. People will be able to ask questions directly of town leaders. McKannay will explain the town’s actions and how it plans to move forward, Eberhart said.
“The Town is committed to protecting public funds, maintaining the public’s trust, and providing residents with a direct and transparent accounting of this matter once the review is complete,” Eberhart said.