MADISON, Neb. — State Auditor Mike Foley's letter raised concerns over the Madison city council's decision to approve over $7,000 in payments to the family of former superintendent Jim Lewis, despite his not being employed during the period in question.

On Feb. 14, the council agreed to pay Lewis for the time he was not employed with the city, from Dec. 14, 2023, to Jan. 10, 2024.

Lewis was not reappointed to his role at the Dec. 13 council meeting, during which reappointments were made for municipal officers.

According to the auditor's office, Madison Mayor Rob Fite responded to a citizen's inquiry by listing vacant positions, including the utility superintendent role.

Madison City Attorney Mike Brogan then sent a letter to Lewis stating he was placed on unpaid leave due to ongoing litigation.

In response to the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts (APA), Brogan explained that while no public vote took place during the Dec. 13 meeting, all council members agreed to handle it that way.

Following Feb. 14, Brogan contacted the city’s insurance carrier on Feb. 16 and stated that Lewis’ termination was “not the result” the council wanted.

The office emphasized that Lewis did not perform work or receive wages from Dec. 14 until his death on Jan. 10.

Due to unclear meeting minutes, the auditor’s office suggested the city should have provided details of Lewis's employment to the public.

The office criticized the planned payment as “misguided” and “contrary to the facts,” asserting that the city lacked authority to make the payments.

After receiving the letter, the city sent a response on March 8 to Foley’s office, stating that while the action was made to correct an earlier error, they have voided and canceled the payments.