Following State Auditor Stacey Pickering’s investigation, Pickering issued a demand to Mississippi State Interim President Vance Watson for payment of $12,333 for landscaping work performed for Mississippi Institutions for Higher Learning Commissioner Tom Meredith on March 22, 2007.
“Our investigation revealed that landscaping work was done by Mississippi State University after a request from Dr. Meredith to Dr. Watson for recommendation of landscaping and soil testing on Meredith’s residence in Rankin County,” Pickering said. “The project developed past normal activities performed by the Extension Service and involved Mississippi State equipment, personnel and materials. Dr. Watson, then vice president and director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station, was the official responsible for this project and must reimburse Mississippi State University for the cost of the project.”
According to a statement issued by the State Auditor’s office, Watson paid $12,333 to the State Auditor’s Clearing Account on Wednesday. The funds will be returned to Mississippi State University.