McMahan Fires Second Top Official

A second top official in the office of Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan has been fired, his spokeswoman has confirmed.

No reason for the termination of Director of Finance Ed Noltensmeyer on Friday was given in a letter signed by McMahan. Previously, McMahan fired Tim Arbaugh, director of the abstract division, after it was alleged Arbaugh was involved in a scheme involving illegal campaign donations.

Noltensmeyer started working for the auditor in September 2005. His salary was $55,440, state records show.

Noltensmeyer had worked for the House of Representatives, the attorney general and the Office of State Finance since 1995.

Noltensmeyer said all he was told by McMahan was that "it was not a good fit." Noltensmeyer is an at-will employee, so the auditor does not have to provide a reason for the termination.

Terri Watkins, spokeswoman for the auditor's office, said she could not discuss reasons for his termination.

Meanwhile, Watkins confirmed that an accounting error on McMahan's campaign finance report will prompt the filing of an amended report. The initial report shows him with cash on hand of $19,745 when in face he has less than $400 on hand, she said. An accountant attributed $19,000 in in-kind contributions as cash contributions, she said, resulting in the incorrect balance being shown. McMahan's campaign is $22,500 in debt.

Share |