INDIANAPOLIS | Indiana's auditing agency is demanding East Chicago's former city controller personally reimburse $1,186.53 the city paid in late fees and interest while he managed the checkbook.
The State Board of Accounts said Tuesday Charles Pacurar must repay the East Chicago water utility because Pacurar failed to pay a portion of the 2010 state water utility receipts tax, incurring unnecessary interest and penalties.
Pacurar was chided in the audit for not realizing East Chicago overpaid its 2009 utility receipts tax by $3,556. The audit noted Pacurar could have applied that overage to the city's 2010 tax and avoided penalties and interest on its late underpayment.
The 2010 tax was ultimately paid in full Dec. 28, 2011, according to the audit.
Under Indiana law, city officials can be held personally liable for misfeasance, such as the unnecessary expenditure of tax dollars.
A telephone message seeking comment from Pacurar was not immediately returned.
Pacurar, 76, left his post as city controller in June 2011 for health reasons. He had been on medical leave for six weeks before his resignation.
Mayor Anthony Copeland appointed Kimberly Anderson, Pacurar's deputy, as the new city controller.
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