Of the 336 city employees with cards, Stoney said that only five are currently suspended and that three were from the general registrar’s office, which reports to the city’s Electoral Board. He said of the two within City Hall, one belonged to Burks, who resigned from her post.
The mayor claimed the program has helped clear red tape that held up purchases for easy fixes and vital changes, increasing efficiency and allowing the city to earn cash back for its general fund.
Under the city’s old system, Stoney said employees would have to go through a purchase order process and procurement. The city, the mayor said, will ensure violators of policies are held accountable and that his administration initiated a review of every department’s card use.
“Our procurement office has been working diligently to monitor this program and ensure everyone is compliant with our policies, while also ensuring that the city of Richmond is able to be an effective and efficient government,” the mayor said Wednesday.
“I will not let the poor judgment of some to define the work of all the employees,” Stoney added.
Stoney also admitted that employees in Richmond’s Department of Finance were fired recently but said he didn’t know how many and when they were let go. He also didn’t share the reason for the firings, only saying that if people didn’t meet the department’s standards they wouldn’t be working there.
When asked about complaints and concerns over dysfunction in City Hall, Stoney said those views weren’t fair despite “missteps” by his administration.
“I’ve always asked that you all not compare me to the almighty but compare me to the alternative,” Stoney said Wednesday. “That’s all I ask.”
