The Dade County Commissioner under investigation responded to criticism of her New Orleans conference spending, saying some expenses cited by residents were not paid with taxpayer money.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is reviewing two years of credit card records after residents raised concerns at a Sept. 3 County Commission meeting about expenses, citing Commissioner Melissa Bradford’s July trip to the annual National Association of Counties conference and exposition as an example.
Joy York said receipts obtained through an open records request showed Bradford spent $1,181 on food and drinks during the four-day conference, including two vampire-themed vodka drinks, meals costing more than $75, two milkshakes for $42 and more than $200 on Ubers, despite staying at a hotel next door to the conference location.
Dade County Executive Don Townsend, who also chairs the county’s Board of Commissioners, previously said several charges from Bradford’s trip appeared excessive and he had asked her to repay some of the spending.
On Friday, Bradford said in a written statement that receipts she submitted for accounting purposes included costs she paid personally and expenses supported by a private scholarship. She said she received no personal financial gain from the trip and gained information and experience she believes will help her better serve Dade County residents.