VIRGINIA BEACH -- The city of Virginia Beach is paying out thousands of dollars a year for its economic development director to have a country club membership.
Through the Freedom of Information Act, 13NEWS discovered that the city has paid $6708.00 so far this year for Warren Harris to be a part of the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club.
Harris is the economic development director for the city. On the city's web site it says that his responsibility is to "develop, implement and maintain programs that facilitate new business investment and encourage retention and expansion activities, while enhancing overall quality of life in Virginia Beach."
Mayor Williams Sessoms defends the city's spending on Harris' county club membership.
"Major responsibilities is bringing people across the country to make sure they have an interest in our great city. that being said, I have no problem with that expense whatsoever. He does need a place to take people to entertain," said Mayor Sessoms.
Councilman Bill DeSteph disagrees with the Mayor.
"It sends the wrong message to all taxpayers. that we're using their money to buy the club memberships," said DeSteph.
City manager, James Spore said in a letter that the city spends $5,664 a year for Harris' membership alone.
The city also pays for two memberships at $1,680 a year at the Town Center City Club for Jim Ricketts and Al Hutchinson of the Virginia Beach Convention and Virgina Beach Convention and Visitors' Bureau.
We contacted Harris' office for his take on the expenses but we were told he was traveling and not available.
Newport News, Hampton, and James City County do not pay for any type of country club memberships for city staff.
In Chesapeake, the city pays $4,000 a year for a membership to the Greenbrier Country Club for its economic development director.
Norfolk pays for a membership at the Town Point Club for its economic development department.
