The Carmel City Council refused to reimburse Clerk-Treasurer Christine Pauley $30 for a monogrammed baby blanket she purchased for Mayor Jim Brainard’s grandson.
Pauley – whose office is responsible for approving claims – received a reimbursement check from the city July 17.
The council didn’t discuss specifics of the claim during the July 15 meeting, but council President Jeff Worrell stated in an email that he asked Pauley to reimburse the city and that she agreed.
“It is with regret as president of the city council that I have to take action on a matter that could be viewed by some as trivial or petty,” Worrell stated. “However, I have a duty to ensure a sense of fair play to the employees at City Hall as well as an obligation to the taxpayers of Carmel to make sure proper financial procedures are followed.”
Worrell also said he is satisfied with the resolution and considers the matter closed.
Pauley did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Brainard’s first grandchild was born in January. Three months later, Pauley alleged that Brainard had harassed her in 2016 by repeatedly attempting to pursue a sexual relationship. Brainard denied the allegations and said that he and Pauley were in a brief “mutual and equal relationship” in 2016.
