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Osceola County commissioners to investigate possible conflict of interest in $17K contract

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates is digging deeper into a plan to spend nearly $18,000 to promote an Osceola County road project.

Channel 9’s Jeff Levkulich found out the wife a county employee works for the public relations company hired to promote the project.

Commissioners said they plan to look into whether there was a conflict of interest with the company the company they contracted, B&B Promotions of Central Florida.

The company is slated to get up to $17,500 from commissioners to promote the opening of Poinciana Parkway.

The company is owned by Wendi Jeannin, who is married to John Jeannin, the assistant director for the county’s Road and Bridge Department.

He is also listed as a manager of the company on paperwork field by the state.

Commissioner Cheryl Grieb said B&B Promotions has done several events for the county in the past.

She said she was not aware that a county employee had a part in the company.

“I can’t talk for the other commissioner but I will see what our policy is at the county, and certainly I will be better educated for myself and see if there are any issues with this one,” she said.

Commissioner Brandon Arrington said he was unaware there may be a conflict of interest.

He said while he supports an inquiry by Grieb, B&B Promotions must have passed a process to be chosen for past county events.

“We don’t look at financial records of things that come before us. We don’t look at (tax forms) of every agency or any business that comes before us,” said Arrington. “Usually, when it comes to a contractual issue, I would tell you most commissioners would have that same opinion.”

Commissioners said they stand by their decision to go with outside help, saying it is a huge undertaking to help people know when Poinciana Parkway will open.