An internal audit obtained by WPBF 25 News Investigates has raised serious questions about a nearly $678,000 generator purchase for Riviera Beach’s water‑treatment plant. The audit alleges that the city bypassed competitive bidding, bought a generator with a 22‑year‑old engine, and may have engaged in collusion with the vendor Trimax Holdings LLC and its affiliate Trimax Power Systems LLC.

Audit findings and recommended actions

The auditor described the transaction as involving “deception, potential collusion, and the intentional circumvention of procurement controls.” It recommends that the city consider firing Utility Director Joshua Niemann and water‑plant manager Garry Baker for “gross misconduct” and refer the findings to the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office for a possible criminal investigation.

Utility officials’ response

In an exclusive interview, Utility Director Joshua Niemann denied any wrongdoing, stating, “We were doing nothing but protecting the public water system.” When asked if anything criminal occurred, Niemann replied, “Absolutely not.” He explained that United Rentals, the city’s prior generator‑rental provider, declined a purchase request and referred him to a Miami supplier that offered a rebuilt unit. The generator was delivered for testing before the purchase was formally approved.

According to the audit, the generator was marketed as a 2025 model, yet its Cummins engine dates back to 2004. The report also questions a warranty dated March 13, 2026—issued before the emergency purchase was approved on April 2. The equipment was reportedly on site before City Manager Jonathan Evans authorized the transaction, though Niemann says it was only for testing and had not been connected or fueled.

Financial context

Niemann defended the need for the purchase, noting that the city had spent more than $2.3 million renting backup equipment over the past ten years and that the rental generator frequently broke down. He claimed he only recently learned the engine’s age and promptly reported it to city officials.

Personnel actions and council reaction

Following the audit’s release, both Niemann and Baker were terminated in May, only to be rehired about a week later by City Manager Bill Wilkins. Councilwoman Kashamba Miller‑Anderson criticized the reversal, saying, “Nothing changed. The evidence didn’t change. But he changed his mind and brought them back.” She added that the audit’s findings have been known since May, yet the report only became public this week.

At a recent City Council meeting, Councilwoman Shirley Lanier offered copies of the audit to residents, and Councilman Bruce Guyton moved to place the audit on the agenda for the next meeting.

State Attorney’s Office response

Niemann expressed optimism about an independent investigation, stating, “I’m excited that the state attorney is looking at this because I think it’ll be a fair and equitable investigation.” The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office confirmed it is aware of the audit but declined to comment further on any active investigation.

Ongoing coverage

WPBF 25 News Investigates will continue to monitor the city’s response and any developments from the State Attorney’s Office.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.