DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach City Auditor Abinet Belachew has submitted his resignation.
Belachew sent his resignation letter Tuesday to Mayor Derrick Henry and members of the Daytona Beach City Commission.
In the letter, Belachew said his resignation will be effective Oct. 15, in accordance with the 30-day notice requirement under his employment agreement.
Belachew is the fourth high-level Daytona Beach official to resign in recent months.
The other departures include Assistant City Manager Andy Holmes, Chief Building Official Glenn Urquhart and Fire Chief Dru Driscoll.
“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve the beautiful City of Daytona Beach and its residents,” Belachew wrote.
Belachew said he was grateful to Henry and the City Commission for giving him the opportunity to serve as the city’s independent auditor.
In his letter, Belachew said establishing and strengthening an independent internal audit function “inevitably involves challenges,” especially when the function is relatively new and expected to provide objective oversight across a complex municipal organization.
Belachew said the Office of the City Auditor established a professional audit framework, implemented a risk-based audit plan, conducted audits and reviews of city operations and expenditures, and worked to strengthen internal controls, accountability, transparency and stewardship of public resources.
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Belachew’s resignation comes after months of 9 Investigates coverage into Daytona Beach spending, audits and an ongoing criminal investigation into city finances.
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Belachew also thanked City Manager Deric Feacher, city leaders, department directors, employees, residents and members of the media.
“Although my tenure with the City has been relatively brief, the experience has been professionally meaningful,” Belachew wrote. “I leave with great respect for the City of Daytona Beach, its employees, and the residents we serve.”
Belachew said he hopes the city will continue to support a strong, independent and professional city auditor function.
He said he is committed to helping with an orderly transition during his remaining time with the city, including documenting ongoing audit work and other matters needed to maintain continuity in the auditor’s office.
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Channel 9 has reached out to the city for additional comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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