By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – October 12, 2024

October 9, 2024, after the Harbor District publicly opened its financial records, new concerns emerged regarding missing documents, specifically related to credit card purchases. These receipts, tied to former Harbormaster Tim Petrick’s expenditures, were found to have been removed from the District.

Current Harbormaster Mike Rademaker immediately contacted the Financial Director, Dave Negus, to inquire about the missing receipts. Negus revealed that the documents were in the back of his car while he was in San Diego. He offered no explanation for why he had removed the financial records, other than stating that he was in San Diego for personal reasons-driving his wife to the hospital and was rushing back to Del Norte County.

Community member Linda Sutter expressed her outrage at the removal of these critical financial records, especially in light of ongoing revelations about improper credit card practices within the Harbor District. Sutter stressed that such actions were unacceptable, particularly when the public had been made aware of the potential misuse of public funds.

Further investigation into the Harbor District’s financial procedures revealed additional alarming discrepancies. It was found that Harry Adams, Harbor Commissioner, had been signing off on credit card purchases for the past seven months. Gerhard Weber also signed off on the December 2023 credit card statement. According to the Harbor District Bylaws, two commissioners are required to sign off on each check for payment.

Former Harbormaster Tim Petrick ‘s signature was the sole approval on the credit card transactions from January 2023 through November 2023, bypassing the necessary oversight of the commissioners, who are responsible for managing public funds. In addition, the district ignored state regulations. California Gov. Code 53232.2 stipulates that if no clear credit card policy exists, government entities must follow IRS guidelines for travel, meals, and incidentals. This was not done, and both the former Harbormaster and the commissioners should be held accountable for their lack of appropriate action.

As this financial scandal unfolds, the Harbor District faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of public funds and its failure to adhere to both local and state regulations.