Baltimore health department wasted $170,000 from lead paint fines on unused giveaways and travel, re

In the course of two years, the Baltimore Health Department wasted $170,000 that it raised by fining landlords for lead paint violations and charging attorneys for records to use in lead lawsuits, an investigation by the city’s inspector general found.

The money — which amounted to half the funds spent in 2017 and 2018 — was squandered on promotional goodies that went unused, excessive travel for department managers, and parties and gifts for staff, according to a summary of the inspector general’s investigation released Wednesday.

The investigation also found that despite being warned repeatedly by city lawyers, the department overcharged for documents that attorneys use in court to pursue cases on behalf of people poisoned by lead.

The investigation centers on the department’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention, which battles lead poisoning, asthma and other illnesses.

Read more: https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/government/bs-md-ci-health-lead-funds-waste-20181114-story.html