FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — The independent investigation into the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s handling of four grants is complete, and a decision has been made regarding two senior town employees who were placed on paid administrative leave.
The town’s public information officer confirmed the latest development to WINK Investigates, saying the two employees have been “relieved of their duties as of 1 hour ago.” That text was sent around 3:41 p.m.
The two senior employees relieved of their duties are Community Development Director Frankie Kropacek and Community Services Director Jeff Hauge.
WINK News reached out to both former employees for comment. Kropacek declined to comment. Hauge has not returned our phone call.
In a , the town wrote, “Additional information will be provided as it becomes available and appropriate for release. The Town remains committed to accountability and maintaining the public’s trust.”
The public information officer confirmed the third-party investigation is complete and its findings have been prepared. However, the town has not publicly released those findings or detailed the reasons behind its decision.
The public information officer added the town is also considering a separate element: the employees’ performance patterns and whether those patterns met “acceptable performance standard wise.”
WINK Investigates previously reported that the town hired CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, an accounting and consulting firm, to conduct a forensic investigation into the administration of four grants.
Kropacek and Hauge were placed on paid administrative leave in August while the review was underway. The town initially described the leave as a precautionary measure intended to protect the integrity of the independent review.
See previous coverage here: Fort Myers Beach independent investigation involves four grants as two employees remain on paid leave
According to the firm’s contract, town management identified concerns while completing an internal audit involving the administration of certain grants and contracts.
The contract calls for forensic accounting and investigative services to determine the underlying causes of those concerns. Town Manager Will McKannay previously identified issues involving missed reporting and timeliness requirements, as well as concerns about procurement and contracting practices tied to grant administration.
The four grants named in the contract are:
Bay Oaks Campus Redevelopment GrantFlorida Department of Environmental Protection GrantFlorida Division of Emergency Management GrantFederal Emergency Management Administration Reimbursement Grant
The contract outlined several areas investigators were tasked with examining, including whether the concerns involved intentional acts, misrepresentation, concealment of information, misuse of grant funds, negligence or misappropriation of assets.
Town officials previously said a public town hall would be held after the review was complete so residents could hear the findings and ask questions. A date has not been announced.