SOUTHAVEN, MS (abc24.com) - Southaven Mayor Greg Davis is being investigated for keeping secrets and misspending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. Southaven aldermen said Davis was trusted to do what's right.
Now he's been ordered to repay the city more than $150,000 and is under a criminal investigation. Davis is also back at work at city hall. He may also be back to keeping secrets.
Aldermen said they're trying to be as transparent as possible with city business, but the mayor doesn't seem to be on the same page.
"I can (answer that question) under the mayor's report. I can do it at this time if the board likes," said Davis.
Those words coming from Davis at Tuesday, February 7th's board of aldermen meeting after a question over the MDOT money put on hold while he's under criminal investigation.
"I've got a letter from MDOT talking about funding. It clears up everything," he said.
Davis was referring to a street light project on Stateline Road the city was told will be delayed.
Things may be cleared up for Davis, but Tuesday's board meeting was the first time aldermen heard about it.
"Apparently last night he got more information and was told that's a go now," said Alderman Ronnie Hale. "I am still trying to clarify that."
In fact, aldermen still don't know exactly what's happening with the MDOT project. Apparently this has been a recurring problem during Davis' tenure as mayor.
"That's one of the issues we've got with the office," Hale said. "It is the lack of communication. It works both ways obviously, but we do find out a lot of things like that at the meeting. That is one thing we're trying to change."
Especially given the trust issues created by the mayor's questionable spending.
"We were hoping it would get a little better. Obviously last night things weren't discussed with us prior to the meeting," said Hale.
And it's not just aldermen who are left wondering. Southaven residents want answers of their own; so far they aren't getting them.
"I've requested questions with the city attorney," said resident Tony Garner. "Hopefully he will get back to me by the next meeting to hash out what we will talk about at the next alderman meeting."
