In addition, expense reports obtained by The Arizona Republic show Scott Chesney, 49, routinely failed to itemize restaurant receipts, despite repeated requests, when seeking city reimbursement for expenses. Not doing so is a possible firing offense.
Chesney, the city’s top planning official since March 2006, resigned Nov. 5 and said he was seeking a better fit for his professional goals.
Assistant City Manager Doug Sandstrom confirmed that Chesney’s credit-card spending was a factor in the resignation, but declined to elaborate on additional factors related to his departure.
Chesney chalked his mistakes up to “some ignorance” about working within the public sector. Before working in Surprise, he operated his own planning and development firm in Colorado.
While a department head, Chesney said he would purchase drinks for himself and staff as a “very occasional occurrence.” It was done to reward staff.
“At this point I have no regrets over rewarding the staff, though I regret using public funds to do so,” he said.
In October, Chesney was suspended for a week for failing to have a valid Arizona driver’s license, two years after moving to the state. Chesney now has a valid state license.
Expense reports Chesney filed while serving as the city’s top planning official show he repeatedly failed to itemize restaurant receipts and also show some liquor purchases. Once reminded that buying alcoholic beverages with city funds was against policy, Chesney said he stopped and reimbursed the cost as requested.
Sandstrom confirmed the city had been reimbursed for Chesney’s improper use of the card. It is not seeking further reimbursements.
Chesney also said he began itemizing his receipts, although expense reports show it took multiple requests from city staff.
Expense reports show Chesney repeatedly failed to provide detailed information with receipts. For example:
• On Aug. 15, 2006, a staff e-mail said, “I don’t like to be a tattle tale (sic), but I know this cardholder has been notified several times, the importance of submitting all back up documentation, especially for meal purchases.”
• Months later, on Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, Chesney visited Firebirds Rocky Mountain Grill in Peoria for economic-growth work sessions. The bills, including food and drinks, totaled $173.10 and $56.53, respectively. Although Chesney didn’t provide itemized receipts, staff actually sought them from the restaurant. Once received, receipts showed wine purchased on both occasions.
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