Cleveland manager loses 30% pay cut

Andre Reynolds will see his annual salary drop from more than $100,000 to $70,000 starting next Monday. The Cleveland city finance manager is taking a 30% pay cut after an investigation found he viewed pornography at work and arrived late to his parking garage on 13 separate occasions this year. The findings appear in a seven-page letter that outlines the city’s decision to demote him.

The investigation identified three specific instances between May and June where Reynolds accessed x-rated material while on the clock. A city spokesperson said Reynolds claimed the websites loaded automatically when he logged into his personal Google account on a city computer. He also pointed to his long tenure with the city and the lack of prior disciplinary records. The city rejected those explanations, calling the misconduct egregious and unacceptable.

The letter links his tardiness to his online activity. A forensic report showed Reynolds accessed porn on his phone in the morning before entering the employee parking garage late. His former director noted that this behavior provided at least a partial explanation for his pattern of lateness. Personnel records show Reynolds has worked for the city since 2010 and previously managed employee travel expenses.

The investigation also found unauthorized use of city resources. Reynolds used his city credit card to reserve a rental car for his sister’s personal use. Although he did not use the card to pay for the vehicle, the city classified the reservation as an unauthorized use of public funds. The city stated it discussed the matter with an outside law enforcement agency specializing in internet crimes, which determined no evidence of a crime existed.

Reynolds was initially terminated but allowed to remain with the city under a last chance agreement. He will move from the Department of Finance to a contract compliance officer role in the Parks and Recreation Department. As part of the deal, he waived his right to appeal the demotion. His former director described the conduct as a breach of trust essential to his position.

A city spokesperson explained the decision aims to impose substantial discipline while avoiding the costs and uncertainty of prolonged litigation. The spokesperson noted that Reynolds retained an attorney, making a legal dispute a real possibility. The agreement is intended to safeguard taxpayer resources and establish clear consequences for any future misconduct.

The attorney listed as representing Reynolds in city records did not return a message seeking comment. Reynolds is scheduled to begin his new job next Monday. The city will monitor his performance under the strict terms of the last chance agreement.