Cleveland Finance Manager Loses Title and Salary After Policy Violations

Andre Reynolds, a former administrative manager in the Cleveland Department of Finance, has accepted a demotion and a pay cut as part of a settlement with the city. Under the terms of a last chance agreement, Reynolds will move from a position earning more than $100,000 annually to a role as a contract compliance officer for the Parks and Recreation Department. His new salary is set at $70,000 per year.

The city obtained these terms after a seven-page investigation found that Reynolds violated multiple municipal policies. The investigation, conducted while Reynolds was still employed as an administrative manager, cited specific incidents of misconduct that occurred during his tenure, which began in 2010.

One area of focus for the inquiry was Reynolds' use of city computers. The city found that he accessed x-rated material on three separate occasions between May and June. In response to the findings, Reynolds told the city that the websites had downloaded automatically when he logged into his personal Google account. He also cited his long service record and lack of prior disciplinary history as mitigating factors.

A second area of the investigation addressed Reynolds' attendance. Forensic reports indicated that he accessed pornography on his phone in the mornings before arriving at work. The investigation linked this behavior to a pattern of tardiness, noting 13 days this year where Reynolds entered the employee parking garage late. His supervisor wrote that this behavior provided at least a partial explanation for his late arrivals.

The inquiry also examined financial practices. Records showed that Reynolds used his city credit card to reserve a rental car for his sister's personal use. Although he did not charge the cost of the car to the card, the city classified the reservation as an unauthorized use of public resources.

The city initially planned to terminate Reynolds based on these findings. However, the two sides reached an agreement to avoid litigation. A city spokesperson stated that the decision imposes substantial discipline while avoiding the costs and uncertainty of prolonged legal battles. The spokesperson noted that Reynolds had retained an attorney, making litigation a real possibility.

Reynolds has waived his right to appeal the demotion as part of the agreement. The city spokesperson described the resolution as a way to ensure accountability and protect taxpayer resources. The spokesperson said the terms establish clear disciplinary outcomes for any future misconduct while limiting the city's financial exposure.

City officials said they consulted with an outside law enforcement agency specializing in internet crimes. That agency determined there was no evidence that a crime had occurred. Reynolds is scheduled to begin his new position in the Parks and Recreation Department next Monday.

An attorney listed in city records as representing Reynolds did not return a message seeking comment on the investigation or the final terms of the agreement. The last chance agreement will govern his employment status and compensation moving forward.