Members of the Butler County House delegation have joined forces with the Butler County Board of Commissioners to demand a full audit of Community Partnership, Inc. This action follows an independent audit by Maher Duessel CPAs, which highlighted significant issues in financial management and compliance with federal grant requirements.
The delegation, consisting of Representatives Aaron Bernstine, Marci Mustello, Stephenie Scialabba, and Tim Bonner, formally requested Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor to conduct the audit. “These findings and interactions indicate a troubling pattern of financial mismanagement and resistance to oversight,” stated Bernstine. He emphasized the necessity for accountability and the responsible use of public funds.
The audit by Maher Duessel CPAs identified several major concerns, including financial reporting weaknesses, inadequate segregation of duties, and noncompliance with federal grant rules. The report noted that the organization’s financial statements required adjustments to align with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Additionally, it was found that the executive director had excessive control over financial operations during early 2023.
Specific issues raised included a $36,853 obligation outside an allowable period under the Community Services Block Grant and a non-compliant board structure. Interactions between Community Partnership, Inc. and officials also raised concerns about transparency. Butler County Commissioner Kim Geyer was denied access to the organization’s 2024 reports, and an oversight meeting was abruptly canceled by the organization’s Executive Director, Sandra Curry.
“When elected officials are denied access to basic organizational records, it undermines the trust of the residents we serve,” Geyer commented. The delegation and commissioners believe a thorough audit is crucial to restore public confidence in Community Partnership, Inc.
Emphasizing their focus on accountability, the delegation stressed the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring transparency. “This is not about politics. This is about protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring taxpayer dollars are handled with the transparency and accountability the public expects and deserves,” they stated.
