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WCLT news is looking into whether human resources changes at ODOT District 5are being made after several black eyes over the past several years.

Earlier this year, the Ohio Inspector General started an investigation into misconduct at the Ohio Department of Transportation Office in Jacksontown.

It came as two administrators allegedly refused to promote Jeff Watson to bridge specialist even after he tested higher than his colleagues twice.

The report says former District 5 Deputy Director Don Barber and Administrative Assistant Debra Slack accused Watson of cheating on his test but did not follow proper protocol or investigate their own claims.

The pair then demanded the candidates partake in an unprecedented part two of the exam, then removed the bridge specialist opening due to an error in the interview process.
Watson was given the job in a settlement last October.

The state watchdog then called for discipline against Slack and an overhaul of the human resources division at the Jacksontown office.

Barber, himself, was indicted on theft charges in June.

Prosecutors say the 69-year-old from Newark, collected nearly $8,000 in sick leave for 21 days when he was golfing or at social events.

The state began investigating Barber last year and ODOT Director James Beasley asked for Barber’s resignation in September of 2008.

The indictment states the theft occurred between May of 2007 and September of 2008.

He has since applied for diversion.

In February, after state officials said it was necessary, Marc Guthrie was hired at a salary of $83,000 as the business and human resources administrator for the District.

WCLT News has inquired with Mr. Guthrie to see what, if any changes and improvement have been made in staffing in District 5.

In an e-mail response, Guthrie said “any request of me re. ODOT matters needs to go through Kate Stickle, our D5 PIO.”

He also sent an outline of his responsibilities with ODOT District 5.

We are attempting to follow up to make sure your tax dollars are being effectively spent with Guthrie’s hiring to clean up the human resources at ODOT District 5.

Outline submitted by Mr. Guthrie

Business and Human Resources

The Business and Human Resources Department provides the internal services needed for ODOT District 5’s daily operation. The B & HR Department consists of the following areas:

Personnel - Manages the personnel program for the employees of District 5. Their responsibilities include vacancy postings, personnel actions, position descriptions, coordination of employee benefits, training, interviewing and the selection process.

Accounting/Finance - Responsible for payroll, purchasing, accounts receivable, accounts payable and oversees the budget for District 5.

Payroll - Handles the time sheets and leave information for every employee within District 5.

Facilities - Area of responsibility includes the management and maintenance of all thirty-one District 5 facilities, which includes the District complex in Jacksontown, all county garages, outpost and rest areas.

Information Technology (IT) - Responsible for providing support services for computer hardware, software, and telecommunications for District employees.

Safety - Ensures that the district employees have a safe and healthy working environment. Safety is also responsible for the investigation of all work-related injuries, workers compensation claims, and damage claims. Safety of the motoring public is a high priority to this division of District 5.

Please note that this message and any response to it may constitute a public record and this may be available to anyone who request it.