The city of Durango placed an employee on paid administrative leave this week as it investigates “alleged misappropriation of public funds,” according to a Tuesday announcement.

City staff alerted administrators of the alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars, according to the news release. It is unclear from the provided information when the complaint was made, the department in which the suspended employee works, and the amount of funds allegedly misappropriated, among other details.

The release from the city suggests staff are not “in a position to make any further comments or provide any further information while this matter is under investigation.” Durango police spokesman Ray Shupe declined to comment about the investigation or whether any arrests have been made. He referred questions to Interim City Manager Amber Blake.

Blake did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

Investigators with the city of Durango sought help from “various agencies” to further investigate maleficence, although the release did not name which agencies have been enlisted.

“We are confident that the financial controls are in place to safeguard against additional risk, and there will be no impact on day-to-day operations,” according to the release from city staff.

bhauff@ durangoherald.com