During a recent government meeting, Nino Amato, representing the City of Madison and Dane County, raised serious concerns regarding the management of public funds by the nonprofit Urban Triage. Amato emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, particularly in light of the financial challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged elected officials to utilize fiscal policy measures to support social infrastructures and provide direct financial services to nonprofits.
Amato criticized Urban Triage's CEO, Grayson, for alleged unprofessional conduct and a lack of financial transparency. He claimed that the organization has failed to account for a $100,000 deficit and has not provided clear information on the management of public funds. Furthermore, he accused Urban Triage of potentially violating state ethics codes and misleading compliance officers in their federal and state applications.
In light of these allegations, Amato called for an independent forensic audit by a CPA with no ties to local government or nonprofits. He expressed concern that the situation could worsen, referencing previous instances where ignored warnings led to significant issues. Amato concluded by suggesting that transparency through an audit could help clarify the financial situation, drawing on his own experiences in leadership roles.
The committee members were invited to ask questions following Amato's presentation, indicating the seriousness of the issues raised and the potential for further investigation into Urban Triage's financial practices.