Warner Robins mayor suspends city administrator, says he signed contract without approval

Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick announced a temporary suspension of city administrator David Corbin Friday afternoon for reportedly executing a contract without the mayor or city council’s approval.

In a letter from Patrick to Corbin provided by the City of Warner Robins to the Telegraph, Patrick writes that the city administrator improperly signed a contract worth almost $350,000 with a company to outsource the city’s payroll work.

Patrick writes that the city council and mayor’s office authorized Corbin to negotiate a contract with the outside company, Governmentjobs.com, and bring it back to them for review, but not to execute it.

“I have consistently pledged accountability and transparency in my administration and it starts at the top,” Patrick wrote in a press release. “As the CEO of Warner Robins, I take my responsibilities seriously. We have ordinances, policies, and procedures in place that direct our procurement activities, and all employees, including myself, are expected, and are obligated, to follow these ordinances.”

In a press release, Patrick noted that Corbin was suspended for two weeks, beginning Feb. 1.

“In accordance with our charter, the only individual with purchasing authority is the Mayor, and any actions to the contrary, absent proper approval, is absolutely prohibited,” Patrick wrote. “I stand firm on my decision to suspend the City Administrator within the sole authority of my position.”