City financial probe uncovers no misappropriation of funds – Hickey to resume duties on August 1
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After a forensic audit of Somerville Council on Aging financial records, the City has cleared Council Director Cynthia Hickey to return to work on Monday, August 1. Hickey had been on paid leave until the investigation was concluded.

The audit, conducted by the outside accounting firm of Powers & Sullivan, began in February and reviewed Council on Aging financial records dating back to December, 2006. The City paid $17,000 for the audit. Ultimately it was determined that Hickey did not misappropriate funds and that she made no attempts to enrich herself, family or friends.

The City then self-reported its findings to the State Ethics Commission and the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office, both of which deferred to the City’s handling of the matter.

“At the outset of this situation, we promised to handle it in a serious and responsible manner and we have done just that,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “Our seniors deserve a well-run Council on Aging and we can say with confidence that we have a well-run Council on Aging. One thing that became clear during this audit was that Cindy Hickey has an unwavering commitment to the senior population of Somerville. We are happy to have her returning to her job.”

The City has tightened some of the accounting practices at the Council on Aging to add greater transparency and the city recently reinstated its internal auditor position, which will be able to monitor in greater detail the financial practices of all City departments.

“I would like to give special thanks to Connie Lorenti and Suzanne Norton, who stepped up to a leadership role and made sure the Council on Aging continued to deliver for the seniors in our community,” Curtatone said. “I also would like to thank Cindy Hickey for her cooperation throughout this investigation. It is not easy to be placed under this type of scrutiny and she handled the matter with grace and dignity. Now she can get back to the work she loves: coordinating services and events for our seniors. It is particularly nice that she will be back in time to enjoy the Council on Aging Mayor’s Picnic on August 10, which is our biggest senior event of the year.”