Daytona Beach City Auditor Resigns Amid Spending Inquiry

Daytona Beach City Auditory Abinet Belachew has resigned amid an ongoing state inquiry into the city's expenditures. Belachew will ultimately step down with a little over one year on the job. Just a few weeks ago, Mayor Derrick Henry confirmed a Daytona Beach finance report was being reviewed by Florida Auditor General Sherrill Norman's office. Specifically, numbers surrounding city credit cards and expenditures by the Daytona Beach Fire Department have attracted intense scrutiny. "It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the beautiful City of Daytona Beach and its residents," Belachew said in his resignation letter. "I am sincerely grateful to Mayor Henry and each member of the City Commission for providing me with the opportunity and confidence to serve as the City's independent City Auditor." Belachew is the latest in four high-ranking officials to resign since the city's finances fell under investigation. The others are Fire Chief Dru Driscoll, Assistant City Manager Andy Holmes, and Chief Building Official Glenn Urquhart. For months now the city has been the focus of the state government, following a December vote by the legislature to commence an investigation. That vote came after a request by state Senator Tom Wright, who represents parts of Volusia County in Tallahassee. Belachew's letter of resignation was submitted on Tuesday. It will take effect on October 15, one month after its submission. He did not reference the ongoing investigation. "I am committed to assisting with an orderly and professional transition during my remaining time with the City, including appropriately documenting ongoing audit work and other matters necessary to maintain continuity within the Office of the City Auditor," Belachew continued. "Thank you again for the opportunity to serve the City of Daytona Beach. I wish Mayor Henry, the City Commission, the City Manager, City employees, and the residents of Daytona Beach continued success."