Happening now.

"Agents spent much of their time in the offices of Tim Cromer, chief administrative officer. He has been the focus of several controversies over spending.

The focus of the FBI raid was unclear Tuesday, but library union leader Todd Kelly called it a "sad day."

"The workers, we have our act together. It's the others that have to catch up — the administration" said Kelly, president of AFSCME Local 1259.

"Mishap and confusion usually comes from upstairs."

FBI spokesman Simon Shaykhet declined comment. So did library director Jo Anne Mondowney, who arrived about 10:15 p.m.

The library is set to open to patrons at noon Tuesday. Commissioners are set to have their regular meeting at 1:30 p.m.

The raid follows money problems that forced the system to close two branches and lay off 80 of 364 staffers — and persistent questions about spending. In a series last year, The Detroit News exposed allegations of misspending, mismanagement and nepotism.

Among other purchases that were questioned, the library bought 20 lounge chairs for $1,100 apiece at a time it was cutting staff.

At one point last year, officials considered closing 18 of 23 branches until The News reported they were basing their cuts on faulty revenue estimates.

Numerous contracts also have been called into question, as well as hiring practices, The News has reported."


From The Detroit News:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...text|FRONTPAGE