by Emily Luxen
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.-Montgomery County Animal Control is without a director, after she was fired for mishandling money.
After less than a year on the job, Karen Josephson was released after a state audit revealed missing money from her department.
"There is a cash shortage," said Montgomery County Communications Director Elizabeth Black, "We can't account for it given the record keeping and cash management that was in place, or not in place down there."
The audit is still ongoing, so Black could not discuss the amount of money missing. She simply said it was brought to the attention of county officials, and they had to act.
Josephson is the second Montgomery County Animal Control director to be ousted in the last 13 months. The change came as a shock to some of her employees and others in the community who know her.
"She has a great relationship with the community," said Black, "She is very passionate about the animals, and it is disappointing it has to end like this."
Prior to her position in Montgomery County, Josephson was the director of Cheatham County Animal Control. Cheatham County Mayor David McCullough said she was a hard worker who helped reduce the kill rate at the shelter. However, a receipt book also disappeared during her time as director.
Josephson had no comment on the decision.
Full details from the audit won't be released until Spring. Montgomery County officials said they hope to name an interim director for the shelter soon.
