Florence City Leaders Investigate Housing Authority Board Amid Allegations of Misconduct

Florence Leaders Address Housing Board Concerns

In the charming city of Florence, South Carolina, local leaders are taking a closer look at the city’s housing board following some serious allegations regarding members who may not be fulfilling their responsibilities. On Monday, Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin made waves during a meeting when she brought up concerns she received about the Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners.

Executive Session Talks

During an executive session, which means that discussions were held privately, council members chatted about the situation at hand. It’s important to note that no votes were made, and there wasn’t any public dialogue during this particular session. A resolution was put on the agenda, which directs City Manager Scotty Davis to dive into the allegations surrounding neglect of duty from the board members. Once he completes his investigation, he’s expected to share his findings with the city council.

What’s at Stake

The Housing Authority board oversees a significant number of properties, with responsibility for nearly 1,100 housing units, 1,025 vouchers, and 112 tax credit units. This is critical for many families in the region who rely on these resources for affordable housing. It’s a huge responsibility, and the community is understandably concerned about how effectively the board is operating.

Leadership Changes

The situation has been further complicated by recent leadership changes within the Housing Authority. The board appointed Alphonso Bradley as the executive director in June 2023, taking over from Clamentine Elmore. Elmore had been placed on paid administrative leave earlier in March, only to be terminated shortly after. Although officials haven’t shared the specific reasons behind her dismissal, rumors are swirling that it relates to contract management and the use of federal funds.

Resignations and Dismissals

This past year has seen quite a bit of turnover. Human Resources Director Justin Hanna was fired in March, followed by the resignation of board member Elishann Redden, who cited health issues. To add to the drama, board member Linda Becote faced removal from her position in April, with the council voting unanimously in favor of that decision. This wasn’t without controversy, as an affidavit surfaced during the meeting that detailed how a $1,400 check from the Housing Authority had been signed by Becote, intended for her own catering business, to cover costs for a party honoring Elmore.

Accusations of Special Treatment

Additionally, Becote was accused of receiving “special treatment” regarding the maintenance and repairs of her home, which is one of the rental properties owned by the Housing Authority. These serious allegations have raised eyebrows and prompted a closer look at the practices of the board.

The Community’s Reaction

Residents in Florence are keeping a keen eye on these developments, as they understand how vital effective housing management is for their community. With the future of many families at stake, it’s crucial for the Housing Authority to operate transparently and efficiently.

A Path Forward

As investigations proceed, both the city council and the residents are hoping for clarity and accountability from the Housing Authority board. It’s essential that city leaders communicate openly about what’s happening and ensure that all board members are working diligently for the good of the community.

The upcoming weeks will be significant for Florence as the council digs deeper into these allegations. Residents remain hopeful that justice will be served and that their housing authority will rise to meet the needs of the people it serves.