Nashville council budget chair calls for inquiry into expenses after Mayor Megan Barry admits affair

The chairwoman of the Metro budget and finance committee is inquiring what powers she has to investigate the travel expenses and overtime incurred when Mayor Megan Barry took trips with the head of her security detail, with whom she had an affair.

Councilwoman Tanaka Vercher criticized Barry for how she handled the announcement of the affair with Sgt. Robert Forrest Jr., who led her security. Vercher said Metro Council members should have been told an announcement was coming, even if details could not be shared earlier in the day on Wednesday.

► More: Nashville Mayor Megan Barry admits to extramarital relationship with top police security officer

► More: Nashville Mayor Megan Barry's full statement on her extramarital affair

Vercher said she asked council attorney Mike Jameson what she and the crucial committee she leads can do to look into the travel expenses. More than $33,000 was spent on trips where Forrest provided security for Barry in 2017.

“Right now the perception is — whether it’s true or not — that this affair occurred on taxpayers’ dime,” Vercher said.

Barry said she’s comfortable with a possible investigation from council members or law enforcement.

“Absolutely,” Barry said during a Wednesday news conference. “Our records are available for anybody to look at.

“There were no policies that were violated. Nothing illegal happened. The records will absolutely show that the expenses matched what the overtime expected.”

A Tennessean analysis shows Forrest earned more than $4,121 in overtime working on trips where he provided security for Barry. Forrest earned an additional $3,278 in overtime working on trips attended by himself, Barry and other members of the mayor’s office.

► More: Timeline: A look at Nashville Mayor Megan Barry's trips with her staff

► More: Nashville reacts to Mayor Megan Barry's affair, and opinions are mixed

“I wish it would have been handled a little bit different with more consideration to the council,” Vercher said, adding council members found out after media reports. “Although she’s the executive branch, we’re the legislative body and we have constituents we’re accountable to also. If we could have been a little bit prepared the announcement was coming, it would have helped.”

She said the council needs to know answers to both the travel costs and overtime pay. Vercher said she has heard from some constituents that Barry should resign. The mayor said she is not resigning.

“I’ve sent an email to attorney Jameson to inquire about what my authority is,” Vercher said. “We’re going to take it from there to make sure we provide accountability of those dollars and be sure we’re ensuring confidence to taxpayers.”

► More: Nashville Mayor Megan Barry: Highlights of her time in office

City leaders express shock

Many city leaders expressed shock and concern after learning Barry admitted to the affair.

Last year Barry and Forrest went on nine trips where he provided security, including one to Greece in September, that the mayor has characterized as "business related."

Metro Councilman John Cooper, a vocal critic of Barry's administration, especially its plans to redevelop the old Greer Stadium property, said the use of taxpayer funds for the trips warrants more scrutiny.

"Nothing about this is OK," Cooper said. "If it is confirmed that taxpayer money was used for their personal travel, then that is a profound problem. I am sorry that anyone's family is going through this."

Cooper expressed particular concern over the fact that Forrest is considered Barry's subordinate. Barry referred to Forrest as "someone who works in Metro" and not a subordinate.

"There's no way around the common-sense fact he clearly worked for the mayor," Cooper said. "That kind of relationship is a problem anywhere in Metro government, especially if taxpayer funds were used for their personal travel."

Barry said each of the trips were for Metro business and Forrest was there to provide security, as is the police department's policy.

Metro Councilman Steve Glover said he had "absolutely no comment" on Barry's personal life.

"If the Metro Budget and Finance Committee needs to look into this, we can look into it and find out if any money was spent properly or improperly," Glover said.

Councilman Jeremy Elrod agreed with Glover, calling the situation "largely a personal matter."

“I’m probably shocked like most people are,” Elrod said, adding that he doesn't think she should resign. “As a councilman I worry about the effects on the city, but as a person, I think it’s a personal matter between two consenting adults."

As of late Wednesday, Metro Police Chief Steve Anderson did not comment on whether police would investigate any possible misuse of taxpayer funds or the conduct of his former officer.

"Chief Anderson has nothing to add to what Mayor Barry has already said and will say later this evening," police spokesman Don Aaron said Wednesday afternoon.

"While he knew that Sergeant Forrest gave notice of his retirement on January 17, he was unaware of the issue involved until yesterday."

Councilwoman Sheri Weiner, who chairs the Metro Board of Ethical Conduct, said she was "stunned" to learn of the affair. Weiner said she wanted more time to digest the news before weighing in further.

"Here's the thing, our job on council is to continue the work we're doing and help our constituents," Weiner said. "I've got to wrap my head around it."

Pastor calls for compassion; former rival calls for scrutiny

The Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, said he has "compassion."

"I am sorry for what's going on," Fuzz said. "Compassion is needed for any human being, but it is also needed for our city. Our city is going through a desperate time right now. I have compassion for her families and the city. There's a lot of pain involved for everyone. I'll close out by saying, 'This too shall pass.' "

But Jeremy Kane, who lost to Barry in the 2015 mayor's race, said more scrutiny is in order. In a series of tweets, Kane said a personal affair is a family matter, but use of taxpayer money for city business is of public concern.

"I hope every Metro Council member, the District Attorney, and every member of press will investigate fully. Nashville taxpayers deserve answer to official questions," Kane tweeted. "I hope we don’t see this issue devolve into personal details. Official questions are too important."

David Fox, whom Barry defeated in the 2015 runoff election, declined to comment. Vice Mayor David Briley also declined to comment.

Tennessean reporters Anita Wadhwani and Joey Garrison contributed to this story. Reach Nate Rau at nrau@tennessean.com or 615-259-8094 and on Twitter @tnnaterau.