BUFFALO, NY — Erie County Legislator Lindsay Lorigo has formally requested that New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli conduct an independent review of the African American Cultural Center (AACC), following troubling findings detailed in a recent audit by Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick.
The Audit, which examined the period from 2020 through 2022, found that the organization was unable to provide basic financial documentation to substantiate the use of public grant funds, including bank statements, payroll records, accounting records, and financial statements. The audit also cited a lack of internal controls and noted that the organization itself attributed missing records to poor record-keeping and alleged “pilfering” by former staff and board members.
“These are not minor paperwork issues,” Legislator Lorigo said. “The County Comptroller’s audit found that public funds could not be substantiated, internal controls were lacking, and records simply do not exist. When taxpayer dollars are involved, discussion alone is not enough. Accountability matters.”
Lorigo noted that while the Erie County Legislature has requested a committee discussion with the County Comptroller, the severity of the audit’s findings warrants action beyond conversation.
“The audit speaks for itself,” Lorigo said. “When an independent auditor flags noncompliance, missing records, and failed oversight, it is appropriate to take the next step and ask the State Comptroller to review the matter.”
According to the audit, the African American Cultural Center received significant public funding during the audit period and has also received funding from other public sources beyond Erie County. Lorigo said that broader exposure of taxpayer dollars makes independent state-level review appropriate.
“This is about stewardship of public money,” Lorigo said. “Taxpayers deserve transparency, proper controls and clear documentation, regardless of the organization involved. Oversight is not optional.”
