Report: City spends 20% of grant funds

Report: City spends 20% of grant funds

Of $44 million in grant money awarded the city of Jackson over the past five years, the city has spent one of every five dollars, a report shows.

The perennially cash-strapped city has left the rest – potentially millions of dollars – unspent, according to the report.

Grants awarded to the city propose to pay for everything from computers to jobs for low-income senior citizens to emergency equipment for police and first responders. But a system that administrators described as “chaotic” and lacking in accountability has invited federal audits and required the city to repay money to the federal government.

The clock is ticking on some of the funds. The city has $22 million in grants that expire between now and the end of September, but only 15 percent of that money has been drawn down, according to the report.

Clarion Ledger
5/19/8