Audit finds array of problems at Metro Arts
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An audit of the embattled Metro Arts Commission, released Wednesday, found a cavalcade of financial, human resources and contracting problems.
Why it matters: Charged with handing out grants to arts organizations, Metro Arts has been the subject of discrimination investigations, harassment allegations, ethics complaints and reports of financial problems over the last year.
- Caught in the middle were arts groups whose grant funding was delayed.
Driving the news: The audit, conducted by the Metro Office of Internal Audit, found that Metro Arts "intentionally circumvented" human resources rules, contracting standards and payroll policies.
- According to the audit, Metro Arts lacks "comprehensive policies and procedures for critical areas such as grant management and financial transactions."
What's inside: The audit found that the commission improperly used temporary employees; did not correctly document their scope of work; and, in some cases, paid them exorbitant salaries.
- One temporary worker earned $13,931 for 279 hours of work during a 14-day period. This would average 20-hour work days for that pay period.
- The audit also found issues with the arts department's contracting practices. According to the audit, Metro Arts regularly paid three of its contractors just under $25,000 to avoid contracting requirements to solicit requests for proposals from multiple firms.
The latest: Metro Council approved a $200,000 settlement earlier this month with former arts executive director Daniel Singh, who agreed to resign by June 6.
- Interim director Paulette Coleman wrote a letter to the auditor saying "the findings and recommendations will be extremely valuable to the Metro Arts Commission."
Go deeper: Read the full audit