NAME THAT PARTY: Harrisburg's new treasurer ran business without license

11/18/2014

 

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -

Another Harrisburg Treasurer, another discrepancy being reviewed. Tyrell Spradley, Harrisburg's replacement for the replacement for the ousted City Treasurer, has a potential problem with personal finances.

Heads were shaking and deep sighs were heard when city officials learned the latest person selected to become City Treasurer has an issue with his application.

Tyrell Spradley, 30, was selected by City Council last week to become Harrisburg's third treasurer within four months. According to the Harrisburg Tax Office, Spradley's business listed on his resume is not listed on tax rolls.

Spradley listed he is the owner of Harrisburg-based Minotaur Services LLC, from 2011 to present on his City Treasurer application form. The tax office said there is no record of Spradley ever purchasing a business license and therefore he never paid the required mercantile taxes. Until he provides how much income was generated under Minotaur Services LLC, the tax office said they are unsure of the amount of taxes owed.

On the night Spradley was selected by City Council, he told abc27 the past issues with the Treasurer's Office inspired him to give the chair a clean slate.

"It started off when I actually read about some of the incidents that happened with the second ago...previous treasurer," Spradley said.

He was referring to Timothy East. Last month, East resigned after it became public he once filed for personal bankruptcy, a move that could prohibit him to receive the required bond as Harrisburg City Treasurer.

In September, East was specially selected by City Council following the abrupt resignation of former City Treasurer John Campbell, who was charged with theft unrelated to city business.

Spradely, was not home nor were calls returned to his office of employment in West Chester.

On Oct. 21, City Solicitor Neil Grover held a press conference to announce the resignation of Timothy East and outlined the protocol for the uncharted territory.

"The Office of City Treasurer starts over with a vacancy," he said.

At the time, City Solicitor Neil Grover chalked it up as a mistake all around.

"You live and learn,” he said. “There will be more financial questions on an application. Of course, you would do that. Obviously, you'll want to drill down a little bit more."

According to the application, one question asked if the applicant owned any properties or business within the City of Harrisburg. Spradley responded, “Yes. Home” and listed his address.

He did not list Minotaur Services LLC, in this area. But, he did list his tax and accounting practice under his resume attached to the application.

A request for a statement or response was sent to the City Council's Chief Clerk regarding the next steps given the new information. In an email, Grover did not believe the issue would prevent Spradley from being issued the bond.

The tax office said Spradley did apply for a business license for Minotaur Services LLC just hours before City Council selected him to fulfill the Treasurer's Office.

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