LIVINGSTON — An investigative audit of the Town of Livingston shows how a director of public works may have used town funds for his own business, and how he and another business owner may have violated the law.
The audit, released Monday by the legislative auditor’s office, covers the activities of Patrick Bell, who was once the town’s director of public works. He was arrested in November 2024 on allegations of malfeasance in office, injuring public records and public contractor fraud. He was placed on leave after his arrest before he resigned from his position.
MORE: Public works director & supervisor placed on leave following arrests
In response to the audit findings, Mayor Jonathan “JT” Taylor said the investigation was thorough and the town was working through the auditor’s recommendations with the town’s lawyer “to determine the appropriate action to take,” the report said.
Bell is accused of ordering parts for vehicles associated with Bell’s Clearing and Dirt Works, his personal business, through the town’s account with NAPA Auto Parts. The audit shows that the town paid $1,624 in January and February 2024 for parts that could only be used on a 2011 Ford F250 or F350 truck.
“The Town did not own a 2011 F250 or F350 in January 2024. However, Bell’s Clearing and Dirt Works purchased a 2011 Ford F350 in December 2023,” the audit found.
Livingston has open accounts with several auto parts dealers to buy parts to repair town-owned trucks and equipment. The paperwork accompanying these purchases does not clearly identify the vehicle that needs the repair.
Mayor Taylor said in his response to the audit that the town has already implemented a policy requiring parts orders to include the VIN or serial number for the piece of equipment that needs the repair.
The town also paid $6,100 to Cross D Dirt Works in August and September 2024 for a manlift rental, the audit said.
Bruce Dubois, the owner of Cross D, told auditors he doesn’t have a manlift and has never rented equipment to the town. Auditors showed him the invoices that served as the basis for the payments.
“Mr. Dubois reviewed the invoices and told us he had never seen them. He further said Mr. Bell signed the invoices, and that Mr. Bell must have a book of Cross D invoices,” the audit said.
Dubois told auditors that he closed his business in summer 2024 and sold off his equipment. Bell bought a bulldozer and a truck from Cross D. Dubois said he applied the town’s payments to Bell’s outstanding balance for those purchases, the audit said.
Investigators found records at an auction company showing Bell bought a manlift in February 2024.
“A business owner told us he bought a manlift from Mr. Bell and that he loaned the manlift to Mr. Bell on occasion for his personal use.
The audit report said both Bell and Dubois may have violated state laws.
Mayor Taylor tells UWK Bell has not reimbursed the town and they will wait to pursue restitution after the criminal case.
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