Coroner Payments at Issue in Inspector General Report

The New Orleans Inspector General's Office has issued a report critical of the way the Orleans Parish coroner has paid some of its employees and independent contractors.

However, the report also commends Coroner Frank Minyard for seeking the review of the practices. And it notes that Minyard has been taking steps to improve the way such payments are made.

Among the report's findings: Minyard's office paid monthly supplemental payments to some employees and contractors and employees that ranged from $200 to $2,000 per month — payments that weren't authorized by law and that lacked documentation for services performed.

Minyard characterized the payments as incentives and expense reimbursements. He said his office will seek proper city authorization for them and will develop formal policies on such payments.