HENDERSON, N.C. — Two city employees are off the job after being accused of stealing from the city for years. Plus, officials say more firings could be on the way.

Interim City Manager Jerry Moss said he uncovered the workers were stealing gasoline, oil and parts from the city garage.

"It surprised me and shocked me," he said. [I] discovered that we had people coming in at odd hours at night. We had different things that we know were missing."

The investigation began with the implication of two city workers, one of whom worked for the city for 20 years. Both of them have been fired. The State Bureau of Investigation is handling the probe with the likelihood other workers may face the consequences of stealing city property.

Moss said the thefts could have been going on for as long as eight years.

Some residents credit a new City Council and a new interim city manager with the aggressive approach in getting the city's budget under control.

"They are going in and they are finding out what's wrong, and they are going to do something about that and I applaud that," said resident Deryl Von Williams.

Moss said he discovered workplace theft because he was finding ways to save money for the city. He said he will also continue to look for any more missing money.

Members of the Henderson City Council will hear more about the investigation and discuss the next course of action at their meeting Wednesday night.