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Northlake claims negligence in finance director’s release
Updated: December 2, 2012 6:07AM
NORTHLAKE — The city has fired its finance director for what it says was negligence in the handling of funds from Northlake Days in 2011.
In a written report issued Oct. 1, Mayor Jeff Sherwin said he terminated William Kabler’s employment Sept. 12.
“As you are aware, the theft of the Northlake Days money in 2011 is unresolved and this loss is a direct result of Mr. Kabler’s negligence in the way the money, which was his responsibility, was handled,” the report reads. “Even though the loss was covered by insurance, it still does not mitigate Mr. Kabler’s negligence.”
Northlake police reported about $99,000 in cash was stolen from city hall, 55 E. North Ave., on June 26, 2011 according to a report at the time.
“This was not the right way to handle the money,” Sherwin said Oct. 22. “It was in an unlocked office in a copy paper box.”
Kabler disputes the claim.
“I wasn’t in charge of security,” Kabler said. “I was in charge of the money. It did get placed in my office. They knew where it was going.”
Sherwin wrote he chose not to end Kabler’s employment sooner because he wanted a police investigation to run its course. That investigation remains open.
“We have nothing to indicate who took the money,” Sherwin said.
Kabler sees his firing differently.
“I took the fall because (Sherwin) needed a fall guy,” Kabler said.
The city seeks a new finance director. Through the West Central Municipal Conference, it has found five candidates, which it expected to narrow to two. The remaining two will be interviewed by the City Council, which will select the new finance director.
Sherwin hopes to see someone start in the position by Thanksgiving.
