Gulf County Commissioners received results of an audit they requested on the Tourist Development Council’s (TDC) questionable spending habits. The audit has led to the immediate suspension of TDC Executive Director, Tim Kerigan for the next two weeks.

The problems surfaced in January when Gulf County
Commissioners questioned the amount of money TDC Executive Director, Tim Kerigan spent over the last two years. One problem involved a 2010 marketing bid awarded to Kerigan’s brother for $115,000 dollars, but the brother’s company ended up spending $225,000 dollars.

“The magnitude of the findings was of grave concerns. We just received the audit, and obviously it validates a lot of concerns of internal control and fiscal oversight” said Bill Williams, Gulf County Commission Vice Chair.

Commissioner Carmen McLemore said his initial thoughts of the audit were “not good”. Gulf County Chief Administrator, Don Butler concurred, taking action against Kerigan.

“Our TDC Director was suspended for two weeks pending the final outcome of this report and the discussions with the individual commissioners” said Williams.

Williams say he hopes the board’s actions will send a message that they are serious about transparency and accountability.

Commissioners hope to hold a special meeting within the next two weeks to discuss the audit findings.