State Board Votes To Increase Control Of West Haven's Money: Reports

West Haven CT

14 April, 2022

12:56 PM

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WEST HAVEN, CT — The Connecticut Municipal Accountability Review Board has voted to increase its control over West Haven's finances, in the aftermath of an audit that found the city misspent nearly 80 percent of its federal COVID-19 relief funds. The CT Mirror reported that all 10 members of the board voted to move West Haven to Tier 4 status during its meeting on Thursday. That designation would give the board say over the city's annual budget and over its collective bargaining agreements with public employee unions, CT Mirror said. Mayor Nancy Rossi, who the West Haven city council voted "no confidence" in on Monday night, was one of three people who voted "no" during the meeting, WTNH reported. Following the MARB's vote, the move will go to a 30-day public comment period, after which Gov. Ned Lamont will have final say, WFSB reported. Almost $893,000 of the city's $1.15 million in COVID-19 funding was misspent, the independent audit revealed earlier this month. Some of it was used for ineligible expenses, and the city lacked sufficient justification and documentation, the audit found. Related: West Haven Misspent Nearly $893K In COVID Relief Funds: AuditWest Haven City Council Votes 'No Confidence' In Mayor: Reports'I Will Not Be Resigning,' West Haven Mayor Tells WTNH