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Alleged fraud slows light project 
LIGHTS: Internal accounting problems at J & V Communications, the firm in charge of the stoplight construction along Taylor’s Main Street, has led to delays in the project’s completion.
staff photo by
JOSH NATAROS |
By Philip Jankowski Contract firm fires manager Internal accounting problems at J & V Communications, the firm in charge of the stop light construction along Taylor's Main Street, has led to delays in the project's completion. The firm recently fired a manager and is taking legal action after allegations of improper accounting, according to a spokeswoman at the firm who asked not to be identified. She said despite this setback, construction will resume next week and the project will be completed on time at the end of March. However, TxDOT spokesman Marcus Cooper said project engineers who have worked on site expect delays. “Even if they put multiple crews on it, it would be near impossible to get it done on time,” Cooper said. TxDOT is in charge of the street light project and frequently contracts with J & V. The company currently has at least 18 contracts with TxDOT across Texas totaling more than $32 million. If the project deadline is not met, Cooper said TxDOT will begin assessing financial penalties against J & V. Whether the company will remain involved in the project is up to J & V's bonding company, which acts as a sort of insurance for TxDOT to ensure work gets done. Taylor has been “at the mercy of TxDOT” on this project, Taylor Main Street Director Jean Johnson said. The project is not managed by the city, and was originally offered unsolicited by TxDOT. Still, the city has fielded several inquiries and complaints about the completion of the project, which they have not been able to answer, Johnson said. The six stoplights are all located at intersections along Main Street on Walnut, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh streets. The project costs TxDOT about $1.1 million. The signals appear to be nearly completed, with cross bars erected and non-operational stop lights mounted, however Cooper said much work remains before they will be up and running. Crews still need to put wiring in the signals, apply for power and take down the old signals.
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