Tangier Town faces financial scrutiny amid DEQ grant discrepancy

According to the minutes of the recent Tangier Town Council meeting, officials addressed a $58,000 discrepancy in unpaid invoices related to a DEQ grant for the Tangier gas dock. So far, $13,000 has been repaid, with the remaining amount to be paid over six months. While DEQ considers reinstating the grant, it has initiated an investigation with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and State Police.

Due to the ongoing probe, the Council decided to delay applying for a $50,000 tourism development grant until next season to avoid fallout from potential negative publicity. However, the Bayland and National Wildlife grants—totaling $300,000—are still progressing.

An audit, conducted by Connie Barnes and commissioned with help from the Virginia Municipal League (VML), revealed widespread financial mismanagement, including undocumented purchases, unexplained account transfers, and missing records. The 2024 audit has been sent to the Virginia Inspector General’s office for further investigation.

Moving forward, the Town will adopt QuickBooks, implement internal financial controls, and ensure Council-wide oversight of all accounts. The U.S. Treasury is also requiring a full review of COVID relief fund usage from 2021–2023, which must be fully accounted for to avoid repayment.