City Council reprimands city manager

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SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - The Savannah city manager was reprimanded Friday night by the City Council over several issues including the handling of travel expenses and paying bills.

The City Council went into an executive session for about an hour and a half on Friday night to discuss concerns over City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney.

The City Council referred to these issues: bills not being paid, employment credentials not examined as closely as they should have been; improper handling of requests for city contract bids; and travel expenses not handled property and the city's travel policy not followed.

Last week, Small-Toney responded to the City Council with an op-ed saying she would review her own handling of her travel expense process carefully.

The op-ed statement addressed specific issues: timely filing of expense receipts; no independent auditor to monitor spending; use of van to transport City Council on Mayors' Day; reimbursement of $6 for Post-It Notes; acceptance of a per diem and then billing the city for meals; $100 entry fee for golf tournament; professional development.

Small-Toney took responsibility for failing to file expense reports in a timely enough manner, but pointed out that the five-day deadline isn't required by law and that it is an internal policy, according to the op-ed document.

The City Council issued a statement Friday night saying they will continue to review Small-Toney's job performance. The review will include a "comprehensive performance evaluation within three months from now," according to a statement from the City Council.