Cloudy Skies and County Concerns: Judge Faces Scrutiny Over Improper Expenditures in Charleston

Cloudy Skies and County Concerns: What’s Happening in Charleston This Week

Charleston, South Carolina is buzzing with news this week, starting with a weather report that hints at a mix of clouds and sun. Expect a cozy morning, but by the afternoon, it might get a bit cloudy, and there’s a chance we could see some stray showers or even a thunderstorm. The high will reach around 85°F, with south-southeast winds blowing gently between 10 to 15 mph. As the evening rolls in, the skies will remain cloudy, and temperatures might drop to a low of 77°F.

Probate Judge in Hot Water Over Improper Charges

In news that’s been stirring quite a bit of conversation, it has been reported that Charleston County Probate Judge Irv Condon and his office have been found using county-issued charge cards improperly. This situation really escalated back on May 7 when the County Council decided that Condon should personally repay an eye-popping amount of $11,341.54 for these expenditures. However, nearly four months later, the judge has yet to settle this debt, which has left county officials feeling a bit frustrated.

During a meeting in September, Condon acknowledged that his office indeed failed to follow the proper procedures regarding the use of the county’s procurement cards, commonly known as P-cards. He pointed out that he’s been learning about the policies and believes the county didn’t do enough to alert him when there were issues with card usage. “Had the county done what it was supposed to — namely alert me about potential issues — I could have fixed the problem much sooner,” he remarked.

County Council Chairman Herb Sass has stated unequivocally, “He’s going to have to pay it; he’s not getting around it.” The topic has been a hot button issue, with some council members suggesting that if a regular county employee were involved in similar issues, they would likely have faced termination.

Controversial Charges Under Scrutiny

So, what exactly are we talking about when it comes to the expenses? Some of the charges that raised eyebrows include thousands of dollars spent on snacks and candy, gift cards intended as staff rewards, and even a rather puzzling purchase—a Star Wars Chewbacca mask meant for a holiday parade. It’s safe to say that these expenditures have left many shaking their heads.

This is not the first time Condon’s office has come under the microscope; audits from 2017 and 2022 found previous issues with card use. The recent audit has flagged over 18 percent of purchases from late 2021 through early 2024 that were found problematic. To tighten the reins on spending, the county has decided to limit the number of P-cards available to the probate court staff, slashing it down to just one.

Next Steps and Community Reactions

As this story unfolds, it seems clear that community members are expecting accountability. Many are hopeful that the County Council will take the necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur again. The council has cut the number of P-cards accessible to the probate court, a move many believe could prevent similar situations in the future.

While Judge Condon firmly believes his office has acted responsibly within its budget, the county officials counter that many purchases needed prior approval, which poses a serious concern. The debate continues, and it appears things may get a bit more intense as the council pursues accountability.

As we follow this story, be sure to stay tuned. Charleston is no stranger to excitement, and these developments are an essential part of the ongoing conversation about community trust and responsibility. After all, everyone deserves a little peace of mind when it comes to how public funds are managed!