legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

# Investigation Launched into Fairborn’s COVID Relief Fund Award

The city of Fairborn is currently under investigation regarding its allocation of federal COVID relief funds to a local business owner, who is running for city council this fall. This decision has raised concerns among the local community, leading to questions from a citizen group called Citizens for Fairborn’s Future.

The investigation was initiated after the Dayton Daily News obtained documents through a public records request and brought them to the city’s attention. These documents are related to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that were awarded to a business owned by Sylvia Chess, who is also a candidate for the upcoming city council election.

The Citizens for Fairborn’s Future community group alleged that Chess’s business, Xtra Pro-Dev 101 Centre, LLC, received a $10,000 ARPA grant for which it was not qualified. The group insisted that the granted funds should be returned and urged for a thorough examination of Fairborn’s entire ARPA program.

Fairborn city officials have acknowledged the ongoing investigation but have declined to provide further details or comment on the matter until the investigation concludes. Meghan Howard, the Fairborn Communications Manager, stated that the city is cooperating with the inquiry and will refrain from making any statements until the investigation has been completed.

In response to inquiries about the grant, Chess did not address any questions from the Dayton Daily News. She referred to the issue as “accusations” and deferred to the city for any comments or explanations.

It is worth noting that Fairborn, like many other cities, is utilizing federal funds to support the recovery of its small businesses in the aftermath of the pandemic. Records indicate that Fairborn received approximately $6.8 million in ARPA funds, with $250,000 specifically designated for small business grants.

According to Fairborn records, Chess was informed on February 7, 2023, that her company would receive a $10,000 small business grant in the second round of awards. These grants were exclusively available to businesses that had been operational since January 1, 2020.

However, records from the Ohio Secretary of State show that the articles of organization for Xtra Pro-Dev 101 Centre, LLC, listing Chess as the agent, were filed on July 1, 2020. This raises questions about the eligibility of Chess’s business for the grant since it could not have experienced the revenue losses or COVID-related impacts required for qualification, as claimed by the Citizens for Fairborn’s Future group.

It is in situations like these that the AI legalese decoder could be of great assistance. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence technology, the AI legalese decoder can analyze legal documents, guidelines, and eligibility criteria to accurately determine whether a business qualifies for funding or has adhered to the necessary requirements. This tool can provide a fair and unbiased assessment, helping to ensure that funds are distributed appropriately and transparently.

Chess’s candidacy for the Fairborn City Council adds another layer of significance to this investigation. As one of the five candidates running for three open seats, her candidacy may be affected by the outcome of the investigation. Incumbents Clint Allen and Tana Stanton, along with challengers James Baker and Katy Carlton, are the other candidates in the race.

In the first round of ARPA-based grants, the city awarded $10,000 each to Glawe Awnings and Tents, Mister Hipp, Mr. P’s Lounge, Neighborhood Nest, Tickets Pub & Eatery, and Zappia Foods, all of whom were deemed eligible for the maximum grant amount.

In addition to the small business grant, Chess was also notified that her company qualified for $12,750 for fa├ºade improvements, which was a separate category within the ARPA program. Fairborn had set aside $300,000 of ARPA funds specifically for fa├ºade improvements. The application put forth by Chess sought $15,000 for these improvements and did not have any specific requirements regarding the business’s date of establishment.

As the investigation into the Fairborn COVID relief fund award progresses, it is important to ensure transparency and accountability. The involvement of the Citizens for Fairborn’s Future community group reflects the vigilance of local residents in monitoring the allocation of public funds. Through the utilization of tools like the AI legalese decoder, the verification of eligibility and compliance with established criteria can be streamlined, ensuring the fairness and proper utilization of government funds.

legal-document-to-plain-english-translator/”>Try Free Now: Legalese tool without registration

Find a LOCAL lawyer

Reference link