State Auditor Nicole Galloway has launched a review of "potentially improper or inappropriate payouts" paid with public dollars.
In a Wednesday news release, Galloway said the review comes after recent reports former Conservation Director Robert L. Ziehmer was still receiving salary payments - more than eight months after his state employment ended.
Galloway noted the continued payments may be part of a separation or settlement agreement to resolve claims against the department.
But a St. Louis Post-Dispatch story last week said documents showed the payouts to Ziehmer were the result of an agreement allowing Ziehmer to be paid for accrued leave until his paid leave time runs out.
"I am concerned about potential inappropriate payments agreed to by the Missouri Conservation Commission," Galloway said, "and will immediately begin a review to determine whether other state agencies are negotiating back-channel settlements with taxpayer dollars."
The Conservation department announced last June that Ziehmer, a 25-year Conservation veteran, was stepping down as director after 6 years, effective last July 15.
"It is with mixed emotions that I am resigning from my position as director," Ziehmer said then. "My decision to leave was not easy."
Ziehmer added he was continuing his conservation career through a new private sector endeavor.
The News Tribune reported last August that Ziehmer had been named senior director of conservation and lead director of the Johnny Morris Foundation for Springfield-based Bass Pro Shops.
Galloway noted Wednesday state Sen. Kiki Curls, D-Kansas City, also raised the questionable payments issue as a member of the Senate's Appropriations Committee, and thanked Curls for bringing the issue to her attention.
Galloway said her staff's investigation will occur as an additional part of a regularly scheduled Conservation department audit, as well as being in addition to an ongoing audit of the state's Legal Expense Fund.
That fund is used to make payments stemming from lawsuits against the state.
Galloway encouraged individuals to share information or concerns related to payments or other settlements with the Whistleblower Hotline, by calling 800-347-8597, by emailing [email protected], or by using an online submission form at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.
She said callers may choose to remain anonymous.