VIRGINIA BEACH — Travel expenses of the city’s former economic development director are being scrutinized following his recent resignation. Charles “Chuck” Rigney resigned July 24, less than six months after taking on the role.
“It has been confirmed through a comprehensive review of our department financial records that some travel expenses do not align with our policies,” City Manager Patrick Duhaney said at the start of Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Duhaney said City Auditor Lyndon Remias will conduct an investigation of Rigney’s expenses and the findings will be shared publicly. Tuesday’s meeting, which was the first since the City Council’s summer recess, provided the first public insight into Rigney’s departure.
“Any abuse by city staff of the privilege to travel and represent the city of Virginia Beach will not be tolerated, and we have checks and balances in place so we are grateful that we were able to catch this before it got out of hand,” Duhaney said.
A city spokesperson had previously declined to discuss Rigney’s resignation due to it being a personnel matter. The Virginian-Pilot has requested copies of Rigney’s expenses and reimbursements.
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Rigney, 68, replaced Taylor Adams, who left for another job in 2023. Before coming to Virginia Beach, Rigney worked in economic development for several Hampton Roads cities, including Hampton, Norfolk and Portsmouth.
A national search for Rigney’s replacement will occur.
Stacy Parker, 757-222-5125, stacy.parker@pilotonline.com
