Pasco Downtown Development Director Officially Fired

It came as a formality, but now the City of Pasco and the Downtown Pasco Development Authority have officially parted ways.

Termination is probably the least of Michael Goin's worries, as he is facing prosecution for allegedly embezzling at least $90K during his tenure as executive director.

Goins, who joined the association in 2013, had initially had two big successes, the rapid growth of the Taco and Food Truck industry in Pasco, and the return of the popular Fiery Foods Festival.

But earlier this year, after the Authority noticed they had some unpaid bills, and tax issues, it was discovered Goins allegedly took the money.

Board members voted unanimously to fire him Thursday. He has reportedly admitted taking money from a New Jersey retirement home before he was fired in 2013, but officials are not sure how much he stole. Audits are being performed to see exactly how much Goins embezzled from Pasco. He is facing theft charges, and remains in jail.