Pinellas CARES business grants get clean audit
April 28, 2021 - County auditors found no fraudulent activity in the Pinellas CARES Local Business Grant program. The county used about $35 million of the $170 million it received from the federal CARES stimulus program to provide financial assistance to area companies impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Auditors focused on the sliding-scale aspect of the program, which provided grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. "Overall the administration of the [program] was very effective," said an audit from the county's Division of Inspector General. Pinellas County Economic Development and CliftonLarsonAllen, program administrator, had adequate controls in place to review and approve applications, the report said. The finance division also adequate controls to review applications before money was disbursed, and the majority of applicants met eligibility requirements. There were a few instances of duplication or unpaid taxes, but in most cases the liens were satisfied and the applications were approved, the report said. The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners received the audit at Tuesday's meeting.