BCARC In Trouble For Improper Spending Of State Funds

A recent audit of Pittsfield non-profit Berkshire County Arc, Inc. has found more than $777,000 in unallowable expenses. BCArc, founded in 1959, is a human service agency that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and individuals who need assistance with daily living.

According to WWLP/22 News Springfield, an audit released yesterday by the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump identified $777,844 in improper spending by the human service provider.

That number includes expenses made on numerous credit cards that, according to state regulations, were unallowable. The time period examined by the audit was from roughly July 2017 through June 2019.

The audit also observed that some of the improper spendings came under the direction of some individuals in management positions at BCArc. State Auditor Bump had this to say in a statement:

The questionable practices and the amounts involved in this apparent misuse of state funding is made worse by the fact that these dollars should have been supporting the agency's disabled clients. Our audit made clear that those in leadership fell short of meeting their oversight and fiduciary responsibilities. Decisive action is needed to remedy this situation and build trust in this critical Berkshires institution upon which so many families and individuals rely.

You should know that for the record, the Berkshire County Arc Board does refute the findings in the audit report and maintain the Office of State Auditor grossly mischaracterizes the agency.

For a more in-depth report on the story, and the audit's findings, check out WWLP's website here.