RFP Staff
♦ In an email dated July 3, 2014 City Finance Director Wade Furches explains to audit company Martin and Starnes that he will be taking his family to the North Carolina Government Finance Officers Conference at the beach and requests free tickets to the banquet from Martin and Starnes for his family. Furches states “it will cost me $30 for my family members to go to the banquet. So that will cost me $120. That banquet is my kids’ favorite part of the trip.” He then states “I was wondering if I could get some free banquet tickets… Just trying to save a few bucks, if possible.”
Martin and Starnes employee Tonya L. Marshall responds via email later that same day stating she will verify how many tickets the company has and the Furches should hear back from her Monday. Furches emails Marshall back on Monday stating “not to be a pesty beggar, but have you heard anything on this?” On the following day Marshall replies back “we have three tickets, all yours.” Furches replies “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will see you at the beach to get them.”
As the city’s Finance Director Furches has influence on the recommendation on whether the city continues to contract with Martin & Starnes for auditing services, which is a lucrative contract for Martin & Starnes. Accepting favors and gifts from vendors is a major ethical breach and potential illegal act. Requesting favor and gifts is even worse.
We call on City Finance Director Wade Furches to resign. We further call on the City Council to select a new auditing firm given that Martin and Starnes agreed to supply the request favor and gift. No, he should be fired.
