Philly recreation groups under microscrope over spending

After taking a look at the books of three volunteer groups at Philadelphia recreation centers, the city controller has forwarded the records of one of those councils to the city district attorney’s office for review and possible criminal charges. 

 

 

Controller Alan Butkovitz said his auditors found problems with the bookkeeping of the three advisory councils. But it’s the former Fox Chase group’s treasurer who has raised the most concern, he said, citing a lack of accounting for about $70,000 in disbursements over six months.

“No general ledger was ever maintained for the account. The bank statements and canceled checks were mailed directly to the former treasurer’s home address. When the former treasurer left she took the accounts financial records with her,” Butkovitz said Wednesday.  “She was the only signer on disbursement checks and signed checks payable to herself.”

Deputy Mayor Mike DiBerardinis, who oversees the recreation department, has assigned his staff to review all 126 advisory councils. And Butkovitz said he’s considering further audits.