To: Bradford County Commissioners
Re: Firm Foundation payments
Date: November 18, 2004
From: Jeffrey N. Dann, President, Bradford County Alliance for Democracy
We recently learned that the County Commissioners have given Firm Foundation $5,000 on October 27, and $5,548 on November 8. Although the audit of Firm Foundation is not yet complete, these payments raise a series of questions for us.
We previously pointed out in the BCAD report that the contract signed between the County Commissioners and Firm Foundation specifically states: "Payment ... shall be made ... monthly upon receipt of the invoice from the Contractor [Firm Foundation]." Has the county now received such invoicing before disbursing this additional funding? We would like a copy of the invoices.
The BCAD report also pointed out that the contract requires Firm Foundation to "maintain adequate fiscal controls ... and that documentation is readily available to verify the accuracy of such charges." Is that documentation now available, and were the charges on the invoice verified? We would like a copy of the documentation.
Discussion about the absence of fiscal accountability was a large part of BCAD's report. At the August 12 Commissioners meeting, in the discussion that followed
BCAD's formal request for an audit
, we were told that you contacted Firm Foundation and "asked them specific points." Nancy Schrader stated that you were assured by them that a point by point response would be forthcoming. The Daily Review reported, "Schrader also said she had received a fax from Firm Foundation Executive Director Richard Friend stating that the foundation will put together a comprehensive report that will respond point-by-point to the Alliance for Democracy's report." We have seen no such report. Instead, a recent Firm Foundation newsletter states, "Like Jesus, we will not attempt to defend ourselves from our attackers." Is a copy of the Firm Foundation fax you received available? Have you received the point-by-point response promised by Richard Friend three months ago? We would like a copy of these.
We also have new concerns regarding the continuation grant. Among them are rumors about high salaries of Firm Foundation personnel, and conflicting statements that there are, or were for a period, no salaries being paid. We would like to verify the facts. Please provide us the payroll information that you should now have.
In conclusion, we would like to repeat a request that was made by us when the audit was first requested, "Until a full audited public accounting is made, we believe no further funding by any public agency would be prudent." PLEASE do NOT disburse the continuation funds before the audit is completed, and without proper documentation to verify the required invoices. We also would like to point out that the contract signed between the Commissioners and Firm Foundation DOES include your right to terminate for cause. Unless and until Firm Foundation meets their contracted obligations, you DO have cause to terminate.
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