Apparently, Sheriff Hamp doesn't think he should be questioned by the Board of Supervisors as to whether his new hires are replacements or new employees. Sheriff Hamp also doesn't like to be questioned about whether he is or is not within his budget. In response to Supervior Dunn's questions, Hamp was heard to say something about not coming to the Board of Supervisors for more money since he has been the Sheriff of Tunica County.
Oh please. Hamp, were you ever over budget? I think I recall one of the former Supervisors asking you about this when referring to overtime for your staff. Do this ring a bell Hamp?
How about this: Technically, Emergency Management/Homeland Security (Dept 280) and the Sheriff's Department (200) are separate departments. The water is muddied by the fact that the head of Emergency Management/Homeland Security is also your Chief Deputy.
So, let's deal in some facts:
Go back to Nov 2011. Within the claims of Nov 2011 the Sheriff 's Department submitted two separate claims totalling $11,710.19.
Claim: 11316
Vendor: 3304 Gold Strike Casino
Invoice: 278-A
Date Paid: 30 Nov 2011
Fund-Dept-Objective: 001-200-476 (the 200 is the Dept. code for the Sheriff)
Description: Meals and Lodging
Amount: $5,738.94
Claim: 11316
Vendor: 3304 Gold Strike Casino
Invoice: 278A
Date Paid: 30 Nov 2011
Fund-Dept-Objective: 001-200-476 (the 200 is the Dept. code for the Sheriff)
Description: Meals and Lodging
Amount: $5,971.25
So, the Transparency Committee looked into this through the the MS State Auditor's office. And this is what was found:
We were told by the State Auditor's Office that the County Administrator told the SAO these expenses were covered by 2 Homeland Security Grants; one in Jun 2011 and one in Aug 2011. So, Hamp who gave you permission to spend Homeland Security Grant money and why was it charged to your account?
What makes me even more uncomfortable is that this money was spent in an election month at the Gold Strike Casino for meals and lodging.
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