Selma Mayor George Evans informed the Selma city council Thursday of missing money in the city’s tax and license department.

Rodney Reese, the employee who is alleged to be responsible for the missing funds, resigned Dec. 11.

“It’s unfortunate. I’m sad that things like this happen, but we had problems with one of our employees who has resigned,” Evans said.

According to Evans, approximately $2,800 is missing from four deposits made from March through June.

Evans said tax and license department manager Kim Lewis discovered the discrepancies between deposits and receipts for March 14, May 19, May 22 and June 3 while doing an audit in late September. The largest amount missing for a single day was $1,851.

“All transactions were found to be done by Mr. Reece,” Evans said.

The mayor read from a report Lewis prepared that said she talked with Reese about the missing money on Oct. 1.

“He was informed that he needed to provide proof of deposit,” Evans said.

Evans said Reese was reminded about the missing money for a month. Evans said he learned about the problem on Nov. 15 and met with Reese.

“What I said to him was he needed to make the funding good,” Evans said.

On Dec. 8, Reese was given a final request for payment or proof of deposit. He then resigned three days later. As of Thursday night, the money has not been found or repaid.

“There are a lot of rumors out there. I think people need to know what’s going on. Nobody is trying to hide anything,” Evans said.

The city’s auditors are being brought in to examine the tax and license department. Evans said he hopes they find the funds or proof of deposit with their inspection.

“Hopefully, the audit will come in and find proof to clear his name,” Evans said.

If not, the matter will be turned over to the Selma Police Department. Evans said he has spoken to Chief John Brock and the city’s insurance company about the money.

Attempts to reach Reese for comment Friday were unsuccessful.

Evans said Reese has not admitted to taking the money.

Councilwoman Bennie Ruth Crenshaw asked if it’s possible someone else could have taken it.

“He never accused anyone else of taking it,” Evans said. “He did indicate that he did in fact have control of those funds.”

Evans said the department would start doing monthly audits so any discrepancies are found much sooner.