Waste of the Day: Double-Duty Employee
Topline: A Texas woman simultaneously held full-time jobs with the state government and the City of Austin without disclosing the conflict to either employer, the Austin city auditor announced in a new report.
Key facts: Open the Books’ database shows Marie Joelle Dan worked at the Texas Department of Health and Human Services from at least 2017 until 2025. She earned a total of $546,732 — almost $70,000 in 2025.
Dan also worked part-time for the Austin Parks and Recreation Department from 2021 to April 2023 and then full-time for Austin Public Health until November 2025. She made $237,188 in total from the city — as much as $108,000 in 2025 — and resigned after auditors interviewed her during their investigation.
Dan’s two jobs had overlapping hours and her work suffered as a result, according to the city audit. Her supervisor in Austin said, “her performance was poor and had begun to affect team morale and project deadlines.”
The city is unsure how much money it will be able to recover, if any, the auditor’s office told the Austin-American Statesman. Auditors would need to determine exactly how many hours Dan spent performing duties for the state while on the clock at her city job.
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Supporting quote: In her response to the audit, Dan wrote, “I maintained both positions because of significant financial obligations and the need to support myself and my family. My decision was rooted in financial survival rather than any intent to disregard policy or misuse City resources.”
“I take responsibility for the challenges created by this decision and understand the concerns raised. I deeply regret that my circumstances, personal hardships, and choices led to this outcome.”
Background: Dan Molloy, chief of investigations at the Austin City Auditor’s Office, told the Austin-American Statesman there have been allegations of employees secretly working two jobs “nearly every year” since he joined the city in 2018.
The city abruptly fired two senior Information Technology officials this spring, allegedly because they were also receiving paychecks from the City of Dallas.
Summary: Holding two public-sector jobs with overlapping hours meant taxpayers were paying twice for worse results. Austin may never recover the full cost, but the audit shows why undisclosed double-dipping on the public clock deserves scrutiny.
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