It took a sharp-eyed citizen to catch an almost $80,000 error in the City of Billings finances. An outside review of a citizen’s complaint confirmed the error, and concludes there is no evidence that it is the result of deceit or fraud, according to a release from city officials.
The City of Billings on behalf of the South Billings Urban Renewal Association (SBURA) overpaid an independent vendor, Zeier Consulting, $76,845, according to a report from Moulton Bellingham Attorneys. The City retained the firm to review the matter after the over payment was brought to their attention by a concerned citizen.
The overpayment was detected by Kevin Nelson, who has become a well-known figure around city hall and county offices, as someone who monitors and inquires persistently about local government activities and issues. Nelson has raised many questions in the past, but this was the first time he uncovered such a serious error.
The review concluded that Zeier Consulting improperly requested two payments, between 2016 and 2017, which escaped the notice of several oversight administrators and processes.
City Administrator Chris Kukulski thanked Nelson for bringing the situation to their attention.
In a press statement, City of Billings administrators and the city attorney stated that they agree with the findings of the review.
Steve Zeier, owner of Zeier Consultants, said that he thought the review was well-done. “They talked to everybody.” “It is unfortunate we had to do it in the first place,” Zeier said in an interview, “but it gives us the assurance we needed. It sets a path to move forward.”
Zeier added, “I am doing my best to fix it.” Half the funds have already been reimbursed with Zeier having not been paid for services from December through February. The agreement he reached with the SBURA board and the City of Billings is to make full reimbursement by the end of June.
The review further unveiled that Zeier was reimbursed, with SBURA approval, $1,509.87, without receipts, for travel expenses for travel pre-approved by SBURA. Zeier is responsible for refunding those travel expenses. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
