Eagle Mountain mayor denies allegations
He holds up files as evidence spending was on up and up
Council members and a crowd of less than 50 residents listened as Olsen spoke and held up files as evidence of misinformation caused by recently circulated rumors. The rumors range from saying Olsen spent upwards of $8,000 on a new desk to suggestions that Olsen has requested up to $8,000 in excessive travel reimbursements.
"As mayor, I'm only interested in the facts," Olsen said.
Olsen referred to specific questions circulated by some council members in a recent special meeting as the basis of formulating his remarks. Among other statements, the handout said the mayor required City Council members to fill out formal Government Records Access Management Act requests to obtain pertinent information.
The handout also alleged Olsen disposed of half of the city's budget within two months of the fiscal year and illegally transferred funds without council approval.
Without explaining how a misunderstanding about the city's budget could have occurred, Olsen held up a file that he said was the city ledger. According to Olsen, the file said 92.27 percent of the city's annual budget still remains.
As of the Deseret Morning News' press time, council members had not responded to Olsen's statements.
Olsen said he transferred $5,000 dollars from the council travel and training budget to purchase a receptionist's work station for City Hall. The funds were moved to a "line item that was appropriate for a furniture purchase," Olsen said.
"These monies are within my authority," Olsen said. "As mayor, I can use them."
Olsen said purchasing the station was a necessary step to appease residents who have complained about receiving a recording when they call the city offices.
In answer to other furniture questions, Olsen said his new wooden desk cost $1,810. He also swapped out a clear glass door to his office for a wooden door that was located elsewhere in the city offices for no cost, he said.
With regard to GRAMA requests, Olsen said the city has not received any requests from City Council members. Olsen said he asked council members to submit clear and concise, written requests to obtain information from the city.
The mayor also said he has not placed a "gag" order on city employees to prevent them from talking to council members. Olsen said council members should speak to him with regard to administrative or legislative actions rather than going directly to city employees.
After answering other accusations, Olsen finished his remarks by condemning gossip and suggesting the council move forward.
Thelma Davies, one of two residents who publicly commented at the meeting about the feud between the mayor and council, said she was disappointed with the actions of the city's leaders.
"Shame on you for doing this," Davies said to the mayor and council. "How about you take responsibility for (yourselves) and quit fighting and agree to disagree."
E-mail: achoate@desnews.com
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