Board approves $5,000 salary increase for Gentry amid bonus payment controversy

In the quiet chambers of the City of Crockett Council meeting, a significant discussion unfolded regarding financial transactions tied to the city’s Economic Development Corporation. The spotlight was on Mr. Gentry, whose handling of salary increases and bonus payments for himself and other employees raised eyebrows among council members.

The meeting revealed that on August 17, 2020, Mr. Gentry prepared a check for $4,200 after regular business hours. This check, although unsigned by him, bore the signatures of the board secretary and treasurer. A second check for the same amount was issued on October 23, 2020, this time signed by both Mr. Gentry and the board secretary or treasurer. These payments were allocated under the auto allowance budget, a line item that had not been utilized in recent years.

Further complicating matters, a letter from board president Mr. Von Doenhoff dated September 29, 2020, referenced a $5,000 salary increase for Mr. Gentry and two other employees but did not mention any authorized bonus payments. This omission raised questions about the transparency and approval processes surrounding these financial decisions.

In May 2021, the board ratified prior minutes indicating an intent to grant a bonus incentive to Mr. Gentry, yet there was no formal approval recorded. This lack of clarity left council members pondering the legitimacy of the payments and the board's adherence to proper protocols.

As the meeting progressed, the council members sought to understand the implications of these transactions, particularly how they were split across fiscal years and the potential impact on the city’s budget. The discussions highlighted the importance of clear communication and formal approval in financial matters, ensuring that all actions taken by the board align with the city’s governance standards.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency to address these financial discrepancies, leaving council members and residents alike eager for clarity and accountability in the city’s financial dealings.