When the Loudoun Board of Supervisors voted Oct. 3 to hire an outside investigator to look into Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio’s (R-Sterling) alleged misuse of county staff and resources, they were doing so more than six months after first learning of a complaint from a former county staff member filed with the human resources department against Delgaudio.

According to Loudoun County officials, board Chairman Scott York (R-At Large), Vice Chair Janet Clarke (R-Blue Ridge) and County Administrator Tim Hemstreet were made aware of the allegations in March 2012.

This has led some to question why the board-initiated investigation was voted on Oct. 3, months after county leadership was made aware of a complaint against Delgaudio?

According to a statement from the county, York, Clarke and Hemstreet handed the matter over to Commonwealth Attorney Jim Plowman, who then referred it to the Arlington commonwealth attorney to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. After review, the Arlington commonwealth attorney did not recommend pursuing charges against Delgaudio.

Despite that recommendation, the issue hasn’t died. The board voted unanimously Oct. 3 – Delgaudio included – to hire an outside investigator at a price not to exceed $15,000 to look into the allegations against Delgaudio. That vote came eight days after a story published in the Washington Post detailed the allegations against the Sterling supervisor.

Responding to questions via email, York noted the outside investigation was brought about in October because of a section in the Post story which claimed there was concern from “people feeling that [Delgaudio] was asking them for money for political purposes as opposed to fund raising for the [Lower Loudoun Football League],” the chairman stated.

Loudoun County policy dictates that political activity must not occur using county property or during county paid time.

It’s unclear whether the initial complaint with the human resources made specific references to the Delgaudio’s alleged use of the county office for political gain. A county spokesperson on Oct. 9 said they could not divulge specifics of the complaint because it’s a personnel issue, which is protected by law.

During the Oct. 3 meeting, York said that if Delgaudio were found to have violated that county policy, action would be taken.

“Options could be to remove him from all committees and other board appointments, freezing his office funds,” York stated in the email. “Not sure if we can affect his pay, but would hope we could at least dock it to pay back the investigation funds and time used by his staff in the office.”

When the chairman was asked whether Delgaudio’s colorful statements – which the Sterling supervisor often prefaces with “hyperbole alert” – have ever taken away from the specific business of the board, York said no.

“Over the years his antics have not stopped the board from accomplishing the work need to be done,” York stated.

Clarke did not call or return an email seeking comment for this story.