Charlene Stark, the Hastings finance director who resigned last week, had simultaneously accessed her personal bank account and the city's account at Wells Fargo, according to a complaint sent to City Administrator Melanie Mesko Lee.
The complaint, obtained by the Star Tribune, alleged that Stark's personal information was linked to the city's Wells Fargo account and that Stark accessed both accounts using the same login information. But the complainant, whose name was redacted by the city, wrote, "I have not seen any specific transactions which have caused me concern."
The complainant also notes that such an arrangement could expose city bank account information to "unauthorized individuals" if the city employee shared personal login information with others.
Stark could not be reached for comment.
Mesko Lee received the complaint in July and placed Stark on paid administrative leave while city officials conducted an investigation. The City Council approved her resignation Sept. 21.
Mesko Lee said Stark did not mishandle city funds or transfer them to her personal account. However, there have been "numerous changes" to the city's policies and procedures since the complaint against Stark was filed. Mesko Lee did not elaborate.
Stark worked for the city of Hastings for 15 years and had been finance director since 2005. Mesko Lee said no final disciplinary action was taken against Stark because she resigned.
Erin Adler • 952-746-3283
