Goldwater alleges Pima County supervisors gifting practices violates law
On Friday, attorneys with the Goldwater Institute contacted the members of the Pima County Board of Supervisors with regards to their long time practice of giving away taxpayers’ money to their personally preferred charities and non-profits. Goldwater notified the supervisors that gifting money to groups without receiving adequate consideration in return would be in violation of State law.
Supervisor Ally Miller’s staff discovered that for years, the supervisors have quietly used their office budget funds to fund their pet projects and favored charities. In turn, some of those charities contributed to the supervisors.
Miller attempted to work with the other supervisors to end the apparently illegal practice, but they rebuffed her efforts.
“I submitted this item on the board agenda on September 16, 2014 when it was discovered supervisors were donating monies to charities and outside agencies,” said Miller. “I made a motion to end the practice and didn’t receive a second on my motion.”
“It was extremely disappointing the board didn’t recognize the need to ensure confidence in how we manage taxpayer monies,” said Miller.
“I have since received a confidential “opinion” from the Pima County attorney. All board members and County administrator Huckelberry were copied,” continued Miller. “I have placed an item on the board agenda for the October 14, 2014 meeting to have this opinion released to the public. Any monies expended in violation of the Arizona Constitution must be repaid to the general fund in an attempt to regain the public trust in the board of Supervisor’s management of taxpayer funds.”
“I am pleased at the response from the Goldwater Institute and hope the board will move forward to put an end to this practice and repay the funds they have expended inappropriately,” concluded Miller.