Jeanette Peterson, a resident commissioner of the Harrisboro Housing Authority, is concerned about some of the procurement contracts
she’s seen come before the board. She’s not sure, but she suspects
that some of the contracts are going to relatives of the executive director, Bill Watts.
According to the Housing Authority’s bylaws and code of ethics, any employee or agent of the Housing Authority
who suspects dishonest or fraudulent activity will notify the Housing Authority’s legal counsel immediately,
and should not attempt to personally conduct investigations. Jeanette brings her concerns to legal counsel.
At the same time, HUD is completing its annual Management Review for the multi-family asset management projects in Harrisboro.
Two weeks later, the Authority receives a directive from HUD not to spend or obligate any federal money without first obtaining HUD approval.
The review brought to light a number of issues, including contracts that violated conflict of interest regulations. According to the report,
the Housing Authority had entered into janitorial contracts with family members of employees.
Bill Watts retires shortly after the findings from the Management Review were released.