Auditor: State recoups money

The Clarion-Ledger, 10/17/8

Thousands of dollars have been repaid for landscape work that was performed at taxpayers’ expense at state Higher Education Commissioner Tom Meredith’s private Jackson-area residence.

But the full effect of allegations involving Meredith and interim MSU President Vance Watson could still be ahead.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering said Thursday that Watson had repaid $12,333 for the landscaping, interest and investigative costs following an investigation by his office.

The yard work was performed using Mississippi State University personnel, equipment and material in 2007.

“The funds have been recovered and will be returned to Mississippi State,” Pickering said.