First, you don’t buy computers off the shelf and plop them down into the library. Each of those computers would need to be configured so that a user couldn’t change the configuration on them. Next whatever is saved to them would be cleared out when the next user logs in. There is software to do that. Another possible purchase on the grant, times 20. Then there is antivirus software, again times 20. Then more than likely these computers are on their own little network, separate from the libraries network so a router may have been purchased

Now, maybe but I doubt it the library staff didn’t set this up. So you have to pay an IT guy to do it. So, he might have to run cables. Is there a UPS attached to the PCs? As you can see there is a lot more to it that putting a PC on the desk. Was any electrical work needed?

I would wait to judge. I would assume that the town needed to apply for the grant. Therefore contacting Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for a copy of the application would tell you what the town was going to do with the grant. It should be a matter of public record.

People are being whipped up into a frenzy. The town may have its issues but this one-sided reporting doesn’t help.

You make some valid points, but please don’t confuse the Wave’s report with comments made by readers. The story did not “judge”; it simply reported the facts known at the time. As noted in the story, on May 20 the WAVE requested information from the Town on the cost of the computers and where they were purchased. After waiting a week without an answer, we reported what was known. When the Town provides the requested information the Wave will report it. –EDITOR

The BIG Grant covered a percentage of 22 transient slips and construction associated with these slips such as the Bath House. Once the slips were completed in May 2011, an inspector came out and inspected the job site before we could utilize these spaces. The same process took place with the Bath House in May 2012. Once the Bath House was completed and inspected we submitted all the invoices and copied checks. They were reviewed by the VDH and we then received payment for both projects.

The Aids to Local Ports Grant is to aid small commercial harbors and ports and is funded by the Virginia Port Authority, which is a Subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This program has been vital to the Harbor’s redevelopment as it has partially funded projects since I’ve been Harbor Master. Almost the same process takes place. The VPA comes over periodically and looks at our progress, again we submit invoices with copied checks, they review what we have submitted, then we receive payment.

The main difference between the two is, with the VPA we can submit as the project goes along, and with the BIG we could not submit until after the Slips and Bath House were complete. So with that being said the documents for the Harbor projects were inspected before we got any monies.

The Town needs to supply:
• Purchase orders regarding the computer sales
• Receipts showing payment of sale
• Bank statements and/or copy of canceled check or wire transfer for total of sale

Federal law requires that they be able to map the greasy bucks, penny for penny, back to the original grant total. That applies to all monies taken from the U.S. taxpayer. Given this shady business, it would seem an investigation into all grants, especially related to the library and harbor, should begin forthwith. As a note, if the Town is found to have violated any federal regulations regarding the use of grant monies, they could be required to repay all grants back to the government (the taxpayer).