Auditors rip pay to departing employees; Report cites many state payouts of $100,000-plus
HARTFORD — State agencies continue to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in hush-money payments to former employees to prevent them from whistle-blowing, according to the annual state auditors report to the General Assembly.
“During the course of our audits, we have found large payments made by state agencies to departing state employees,” the audit report states. “Upon further investigation and discussion with agency personnel, agencies claim that they made these payments (many of which were in excess of $100,000) to avoid costs associated with litigation or as part of non-disparagement agreements.”
Based on the review, the state auditors determined that certain payments made to departing employees were not in accordance with a settlement agreement entered by the attorney general on behalf of the agency or authorized by the governor, according to the report.
The auditors said that if the legislature were to require adherence to these statutory provisions, it would assist in protecting the state’s interest by providing independent scrutiny of the payments and consistency throughout state agencies.
The report specifically noted payments made to former Connecticut Lottery President and CEO Anne Noble.
Read more: http://www.journalinquirer.com/public/auditors-rip-pay-to-departing-employees-report-cites-many-state/article_dd0a4390-0893-11e8-814d-4bbbaa7b58b8.html