KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Kingston and St Andrew Corporation today reminded the public that no employee is empowered to collect fees outside of its corporate offices.

The KSAC’s reminder came after a man employed to the corporation at a building inspector was arrested after allegedly soliciting $500,000 from a proprietor to expedite the process of renewing a building permit that had expired.

In a statement Tuesday, the KSAC acknowledged the allegations

“with great disappointment” and the leadership of the council has since distanced themselves from the alleged corrupt employee.

“The KSAC reminds the public that all fees charged by the corporation are to be paid at its offices and no member of staff is empowered to collect building fees, fees for entertainment events, or any other fee outside of the corporate offices of the KSAC for which an official receipt will be given,” the KSAC said.

It went on to say that Mayor Angela Brown Burke, the town clerk Robert Hill, and all councillors are determined to protect the integrity of the Council.

“Any member of staff proven to be involved in this behaviour will be immediately dismissed and the matter turned over to the police for criminal prosecution,” the statement read. “The leadership of the KSAC is committed to having the Council operate within the core values of transparency, accountability and full disclosure; with the best interest of all residents of the Municipality.”