A letter from the Missouri Attorney General’s office concerning an investigation of the Green Hills Community Action Agency was read during a meeting last week of the CAA Area Governing Board at Trenton.
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Acting CEO Terri Henderson read the letter, which indicated the attorney general has closed the file and investigation of the agency. The letter, released to the Republican-Times, stated that while the attorney general’s office has completed its review, the agency’s “duty to use all reasonable skill and care to manage GHCAA remains in effect. Several attempts have been made to contact the attorney general’s office to obtain further information concerning the investigation, however, spokespersons for the agency have yet to make any statements.
The investigation was done at the request of the CAA’s Board of Director’s following the resignation last fall of former CEO Scott Long. Sandi Williams was named as interim CEO of the agency, however, she left the agency and Mrs. Henderson, along with Tyson Otto, were named acting CEOs until a new CEO could be named. Otto has also since left the agency.
During the meeting, Mrs. Henderson said she was pleased that the investigation is behind the agency and that progress has been made toward improving the financial condition of the agency. The governing board has been conducting interviews and is expected to name a new CEO soon.
Neil Phillips, independent agency auditor, gave an unqualified opinion to the agency for the last fiscal year. Prior to the regular meeting, the Finance Committee had reviewed the audit in detail. One area of concern, according to information provided by the CAA, was the HPRP grant that was found to be in non-compliance from last year. it was noted that individuals associated with the management of that grant are no longer employed by the agency, which had to refund monies that were paid to it due to non-compliance. HRPR was a program administered through the women’s shelter.
The Governance Committee met with Valerie Howard, Missouri Department of Social Services-Director of Family Support Division, to discuss the last CSBG monitoring visit that occurred this past fall. Ms. Howard praised the agency, transition team and board for progress made since this past August when the new management team was put in place. She expressed concern over the number of vacancies on the board and encouraged the board to either change its by-laws to lower the number of seats or to fill the vacancies utilizing a tri-parte structure and to sue the process outlined in agency by-laws for bringing new members onto the board. In addition, Ms. Howard is requiring the board to go through a series of board development opportunities that will be coordinated and funded through the Missouri Association of Community Action.
A corporate resolution was signed, giving authority to Debbie Cribb, Cathie Chalfant, Debbie Dinsmore and Mrs. Henderson to sign checks for bank accounts.
The board approved a surplus inventory auction of agency computers, furniture and surplus for this spring. Staff members are currently assessing what property will be sold, any restrictions from funders on disposal and reallocating assets internally as needed. It is expected that a large number of computers and office furniture will be sold in April or May by an area auctioneer.
Closed sessions were held for personnel, legal and real estate matters, with no announcement made.