The city of Tempe has officially terminated Michael DiDomenico, its economic development director, following accusations of misappropriating public funds for personal business ventures. According to findings from an internal audit covered by The Arizona Republic, DiDomenico directed $8,000 in city money to a cleaning enterprise he owned, Arizona Maintenance Pro. Part of this sum was routed through Upland Group, a financial fiduciary managing Tempe’s accounts, which also employed DiDomenico at the time.
Records indicate that the contract for maintenance services was awarded without a public bidding process, a violation of standard procurement protocols. Additionally, DiDomenico failed to disclose his professional ties to Upland Group, raising concerns about conflict of interest and misuse of authority.
Tempe officials confirmed the dismissal and stated that the investigation into the matter is still active, with potential further actions pending.
— news from KJZZ
— News Original —
Tempe fires economic development director accused of funneling funds to his businesses
The city of Tempe has confirmed the termination of economic development director Michael DiDomenico. His firing comes over allegations that he funneled city funds to his own businesses. n nThe Arizona Republic reported that an internal audit of DiDomenico found he diverted $8,000 of these funds to his cleaning company called Arizona Maintenance Pro. A portion of those funds were paid to a fiduciary identified as Upland Group, which the Republic says employed DiDomenico. n nUpland Group maintains the financial accounts for the city. n nDiDomenico illegally hired the maintenance company and did not conduct public bidding for the contract. Furthermore, DiDomenico did not disclose his association with Upland Group. n nIn a statement to KJZZ, the city of Tempe says the investigation remains ongoing. n nMore Tempe News n nA Tempe City Council meeting was canceled last week due to what police called a credible threat made on social media against those attending. n nTempe City Council has rescinded an ordinance to regulate large gatherings in parks that unanimously passed in July. n nThe Kyrene School District is considering closing several schools in response to changing demographics and projected enrollment declines. Some parents want the district to take other factors into consideration. n nASU football fans can now use a water taxi to get to Mountain America Stadium on game day. Boat Rentals of America recently partnered with the Hundred Mile Brewing Company to launch the new ride program. n nThe Sun Devils are back for football season Saturday night and for the first time since 1998, the home opener is sold out.