By J.B. Smith

Tribune-Herald staff writer

Board members of Downtown Waco Inc. say they don’t expect the Waco Police Department investigation of their former executive director to wrap up until early next year, and getting restitution for alleged missing funds may take much longer.

Downtown Waco Inc. vice president Mark Boyd said police have made progress in the investigation, but there’s “a substantial amount of work remaining to be done.”

“It’s probably at the midpoint,” he said of the investigation and when it will conclude. “I certainly think it will be the new year.”

Boyd said he is not privy to details of the investigation of former executive director Margaret Mills, but detectives have told him they have not yet received all of the relevant bank records.

Downtown Waco Inc.’s own internal investigation uncovered evidence that Mills used company checks and debit and credit cards for cash. The records also show that she deposited checks into her personal bank account that were intended for the agency.

The investigation covers more than $400,000 in “questionable” spending since 2002.

Waco Police Department spokesman Steve Anderson would not comment on the investigation or its timeline.

Mills served as executive director of Downtown Waco Inc. for 18 years before resigning in July under pressure by the board. The board received a $70,000 “restitution check” on Mills’ behalf Sept. 26.

Boyd said the board sought additional restitution from Mills after that check, but since then “those talks have broken off.”

He said the board has not met in the past month and has not had contact with Mills or her attorney in the past 45 days.

“There have been no recent negotiations,” he said. “We are not actively pursuing additional restitution.”

However, Boyd said if the case goes to trial and a judge finds Mills improperly took money from Downtown Waco Inc., she could be ordered to pay more restitution.

Downtown Waco Inc. would use the restitution money to pay back Downtown Waco Inc. members some of their dues money.

Short-term solution

The nonprofit agency shut down in October because of the scandal, leaving community leaders to ponder how to replace its role in advocating and marketing downtown’s interests.

In the short term, city of Waco leaders have taken on that role, dealing directly with prospective developers and overseeing contracts for special services in the downtown area.

However, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and the city-appointed Public Improvement District board have both voiced an interest in expanded roles.

Mills, 65, was making nearly $64,000 a year at the time of her resignation. She has been credited with revitalizing downtown Waco and had been widely respected for her devotion to the city.

jbsmith@wacotrib.com

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