Former director Betty Reed said annual audits through the Yazoo City Housing Authority never revealed any discrepancies with credit card charges made during her tenure.
Several American Express charges made over the last year were questioned by The Yazoo Herald and openly discussed during the last Housing Authority board meeting.
The Yazoo Herald requested detailed credit card statements for August 2017 through August 2018. The records for the American Express card were provided to The Herald, resulting in concern over charges made to fashion designer Michael Kors, large amounts charged for entertainment and meals, and charges made for seat upgrades and additional airline tickets for individuals not associated with the Housing Authority, among other charges.
Reed said although she was named as the American Express card holder and made several charges, she added that the Housing Board of Commissioners were also give authorization to use the credit card for travel.
Reed also said no charges were made after June 30, her last day with the Housing Authority following her retirement.
“Statement charges reflected charges that were made months prior for Commissioners travel,” she said. “The credit card was not closed because of The Herald’s inquiries. The credit card and keys to the YCHA vehicle were returned to agency on June 30, 2018. The credit card was closed and shredded, and the account was closed during that time.”
During last week’s Housing Authority board meeting, Reed explained an online Michael Kors purchase in June 2018 for $223. New Housing Authority Director Alpreston Billings said former board chairman John Meeks told her “to get something nice” for Reed’s retirement. Billings then charged a Michael Kors watch to the Housing Authority’s credit card.
Reed said she did not accept the Michael Kors watch, and it remains at the central office of the Housing Authority.
“The purchase was authorized by the Board of Commissioners,” Reed said. “The purchase remains in the central office because (I have not) accepted the retirement gift from the agency. Attempts were made by the current administration to present gift to (me).”
In regard to airline charges made the American Express, it was questioned by The Herald why there were charges for seat upgrades and particularly four additional airline tickets for members of Reed’s family to accompany her to a San Francisco conference.
Reed admits that she charged airline tickets for her husband and grandchildren to that she “could see them together.” She also admits it was wrong on her part to do so, adding that the trip never happened and that she reimbursed the Housing Authority for those charges.
“No, me or anyone from my family traveled to San Francisco,” she added.
Reed also provided The Herald with a check and deposit ticket showing that she reimbursed the Housing Authority for those charges in July of 2018.
