Inspector General Report Validates the Importance of St. Johns County’s Strengthened Oversight and Commitment to Transparency
County Administrator Joy Andrews has implemented effective operational reforms and improved reporting structures to enhance the community’s trust in St. Johns County government.
The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its report (#2024-0001) regarding the relocation of excess fill dirt from the Fire Station 11 and Sheriff’s Substation project to the Police Athletic League (PAL) fields. The incident in question occurred in May 2023, under the leadership of former County Administrator Hunter Conrad.
In July 2023, following Mr. Conrad’s resignation and upon the appointment of Joy Andrews as the Interim County Administrator, the matter was immediately reported to the OIG. Since Andrews has been in the permanent role, she has taken a proactive and transparent approach to reforming internal capital improvement project oversight processes.
“This report validates the importance of the structural reforms we put in place starting last year,” said County Administrator Joy Andrews. “St. Johns County residents expect and deserve transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility—and that is exactly what we’ve been working to strengthen daily.”
Reforms and Improvements Implemented by the Andrews Administration Since July 2023 Include:
- Creation of the Infrastructure Delivery Team, bringing together eight County departments along with the School District and Sheriff’s Office to collaborate on capital project delivery.
- Establishment of the Capital Improvement Project Oversight Committee, composed of senior department leaders to ensure cross-departmental accountability, structured reporting, and cost control.
- Clear Division of Project Oversight Responsibilities:
- Vertical Projects (buildings/facilities): Managed by Facilities Management
- Horizontal Projects (roads/site work): Overseen by Public Works
- Utility Projects: Managed by Utility Services
- Enhanced Internal Controls and Reporting Structures to establish greater checks and balances across departments.
- Expanded Employee Training on procurement procedures, administrative requirements, and conflict-of-interest safeguards.
While the fill dirt was ultimately used for a St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners-approved public benefit project—the development of the PAL athletic fields—the action did not follow required procurement protocols. Andrews emphasized that such deviations, regardless of intent, underscore the importance of the reforms her administration has led since taking office.
“Our job is to protect public trust and ensure proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” said Andrews. “We’re not only correcting issues from the past—we’re building a governance framework for the future that can be trusted to deliver results with integrity and accountability.”
Stay Informed on St. Johns County news and Sign up for our e-newsletters
Share:
