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Dems reimburse restricted fund
YOUNGSTOWN
The Mahoning County Democratic Party “illegally” spent $788.91, most of it for charitable donations from a restricted fund, according to an annual review of its financial records by the Ohio auditor’s office.
On Oct. 6, the party used money from its general fund to reimburse its restricted fund for the improper payments.
“We paid it back,” said Chairman David Betras. “I find it funny that nearly all of the money was for charity.”
The auditor’s office released the audit Tuesday.
All but $98.91 went to charitable groups or local organizations such as the Struthers Alumni Association, a Haiti earthquake fund and the Purple Cat, a day-program for adults with disabilities.
Among the improper payments discovered in the review of the party’s 2010 financial records were two to buy wine — one for $33.98 and the other for $14.98.
In 2009, a review of the party’s expenses by the state auditor found $146 was “illegally” spent from the restricted fund for beer at its annual summer picnic. The party reimbursed that expense from its general fund.
Charitable donations and alcoholic-beverage purchases aren’t permitted uses of the party’s restricted fund, which is primarily for costs associated with operating party headquarters, voter programs and campaign materials, according to the state auditor.
Also, $50 went to Lights Out Productions. Betras said party officials couldn’t recall what that $50 was for so they couldn’t justify the expense to the auditor’s office and had to reimburse the restricted fund with general-fund money. He also didn’t know what Lights Out Productions is.