Humansville is facing a crisis in local government, with multiple state agencies scrutinizing the city's compliance with election laws and use of public funds.
The Missouri Secretary of State's Office referred a probable cause statement to the Polk County Prosecutor on May 7 after an investigation into election violations for the April election. Humansville did not hold an election for the open mayoral and aldermen seats because only one individual reportedly filed for each seat — although the investigation brings that into question.
Trouble at city hall
The probable cause statement and a letter attached to it from the Secretary of State's general counsel note that city employee Sophia Piper, who was believed to be in charge of accepting applications from candidates for elected offices, violated two sections of Missouri election laws.
"The evidence shows that Ms. Piper told individuals who came in to file for city office that the position was already filled or someone else had already been selected," the document reads.
The probable cause statement alleges Piper submitted a "non-election statement" to the Polk County Clerk despite knowing that others attempted to file for these offices but mislead individuals into thinking they could not file their candidacy.
Brooke Johnson is listed as one candidate who tried to run for mayor but was informed by Piper that someone was already selected.
In April, former city clerk Tracy Mason was sworn in as mayor. While Piper was no longer employed by the city as the utility clerk, she was recently rehired back to the role in a tied vote by the Humansville Board of Aldermen, Alderman Ashley Albright said, in which the mayor broke the tie. Piper did not comment on the situation, noting she will need to consult with her attorney ahead of any comment. As of Friday, Casenet does not show a case filed against Piper.
In early April, the Missouri State Highway Patrol began an investigation into Humansville's use of public funds. The public had had particular concerns about the use of COVID-19 pandemic relief funds. The investigation is still ongoing, so further information is not available at this time. Since the investigation was open, the board has met to uncover more information about the $215,750 of total American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds the city received. The only definitive expense from these funds went to technological upgrades to the water and computer systems. While other expenses were mentioned, it was less clear whether the board had authorized the use of ARPA funds to pay for them.
Mileage payments the city made to employees and elected officials also have been questioned.
A December 2023 claims report obtained by the News-Leader through a Sunshine Law request notes seven instances of "2023 mileage reimbursements" on Dec. 5. Each alderman received $200, with full-time employees receiving $400 and part-time $100. This aligns with the board's approval of the year-end reimbursement adjustment at the Nov. 14, 2023, meeting, according the minutes. Albright said at the most recent public board meeting on Tuesday, May 14, that this was a way the city paid holiday bonuses, a practice the city had followed for awhile. She said she turned her check for the reimbursement over to the Missouri Highway patrol for its investigation.
The claims report also includes three additional mileage reimbursements for Piper on top of the $400 year-end reimbursement — one for the month of November, another for Dec. 1-13 and another for 120 miles with no timeline specified.
According to the Missouri State Auditor's database of audit reports, Humansville has not been audited by the state since at least 1999.
Alderman served with impeachment, future uncertain
Humansville's troubles don't stop there. At the most recent board meeting Tuesday, May 14, Albright and Alderman Robert Thomas presented Alderman Amber Winkler with articles of impeachment.
Winkler served as Mayor Pro-Tem prior to the April election, when the mayoral seat and one alderman position remained vacant, meaning the entire board was made up of only three aldermen.
The letter presented Tuesday includes eight reasons for impeachment. The accusations include releasing unapproved closed session minutes, publicly making inappropriate statements about citizens and retaliating against a former city clerk who acted as a whistleblower by reporting election interference.
While a motion to start the impeachment process was made by Albright and seconded by Thomas, no vote was taken before the meeting abruptly ended.
As Mason asked a clarifying question of the city attorney, she verbally reprimanded those in the audience who requested the board speak louder, with many noting they could not hear what was being discussed. A video recording of the meeting posted to Facebook and shared on the city's page shows Mason yelling at those in the audience and attempting to have them removed.
Rather than take up the motion on the table, Mason declared the meeting adjourned, then proceeded to take a roll call vote to adjourn despite a lack of motion to do so.
Albright told the News-Leader the board has not been in contact since the meeting, with next steps regarding the impeachment uncertain.
"I'm just crossing my fingers and praying that justice is served for the taxpayers of Humansville," she said. "At the end of the day, our taxpayers are needing answers, and our job is to, you know, uphold the city to a higher standard."
Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
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