FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The city of Fresno is working to find answers for frustrated artists after 1.5 million taxpayer dollars were allegedly stolen by a now former employee of the Fresno Arts Council.
“That long-term employee was no longer employed by the arts council and that occurred prior to the discovery of the embezzlement,” Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer stated.
The city says it found out about the embezzlement on Thursday.
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“The fact that for over a long period of time somebody was able to fleece them and our taxpayers of $1.5 million or more, it’s unacceptable,” Fresno City Council President Mike Karbassi said.
“These are the events we’re putting on for the larger community that strengthen, fortify, bring joy, celebrate our cultures and that is being missed out on now,” Alicia Rodriguez with Labyrinth Art Collective explained.
Artists like Alicia Rodriguez, who runs Labyrinth Art Collective, are left frustrated by the lack of transparency and accountability but not fazed by the embezzlement news.
“Unfortunately, I’m not surprised for the last couple years concerns have been raised over the execution of the grant process,” Rodriguez said.
RELATED: Fresno Arts Coalition calls for transparency in Measure P grant process
The city then denied the third phase of funding because the arts council did not provide sufficient documentation to justify its spending.
The city says its contract with the arts council will now end on February 20th and that the third round of funding will be issued by the city.
“It is our goal to make sure that those organizations are fully funded with future Measure P dollars, but we’ve yet to determine how that will occur,” Dyer stated.
“We’re going to take legal action if necessary to ensure that we can recover that money. Every dollar has to be returned so we can make sure the artists get the money they’re entitled to,” Karbassi added.
I reached out to the FAC executive director but have not heard back.
Those who have not received their full funding can call 559-621-2999 or email ExpandedArts@fresno.gov.
By ABC30’S Tiffany Olin
