Delaware senior center audited for $350,000 in errors
A Delaware senior center is under intense scrutiny by state agencies, after state auditors reportedly found widespread errors.
According to the State of Delaware Office of Auditor of Accounts, Bridgeville Senior Center’s accounting records were found to be unreliable with more that $350,000 in errors.
The center relies heavily on grant money, according to Auditor’s office, and receives approximately $158,000 in “Grant in Aid” money annually. According to the audit report, the grant money accounts for roughly 70 percent of the senior center’s total revenues. Because of the audit, 47 ABC was told by the Delaware Controller General’s office that the grant money would be frozen until the problems listed in the audit report were fixed.
According to Delaware Department of Justice officials, the audit report is now in the hands of Office of Civil Rights and Public trust, which was created by state Attorney General Matthew Den earlier this year. Officials tell 47 ABC that the office will review the audit report and then decide if a criminal investigation is warranted.
In a sit-down interview with State Auditor, Thomas Wagner, Wagner said during the audit it was “very hard to attempt to decipher what actually was going on there financially.”
Wagner also said it appeared as though the non-profit senior center did not have an accountant responsible for keeping financial records. He added that he believes the center misused Quickbooks, a tax- preparation software, which could have led to some of the financial discrepancies.
One of the most troubling things Wagner said he found during his audit, was that Anet Cannon, the executive director of the center, and Gary Cannon,the chair of the board of directors, are husband and wife. Wagner said that was a “financial red-flag” in the accounting world.
Despite the scathing audit report, Wagner said he believes the center can make the necessary changes quickly, so that they can return to receiving grant money. Wagner added that it is not uncommon for small town non-profits to have problems with their financial records.
