Ohio Attorney General's office not planning legal action against local YMCA
5/5/2010The Ohio Attorney General's office is still reviewing the findings of its investigation into the YMCA of Greater Toledo, but says it anticipates no legal action against the nonprofit, according to a recent correspondence letter.
The state office launched an investigation last fall into the YMCA's financial operations following reports of possible misspending prior to the organization's decision to close its money-losing South Toledo branch on Woodsdale Park Drive.
The YMCA refused to make public any receipts of questionable expenses for credit card use or conference and convention travel, citing its legal prerogative to keep those records private.
Though the attorney general's office by policy doesn't comment on investigations into nonprofits, its April 27 letter to Y headquarters said a review of the investigation is underway with the intent "of providing a detailed response to the YMCA of Greater Toledo suggesting several minor adjustments in the area of best practice."
The attorney general doesn't plan to take legal action against the YMCA as a result of the investigation, the letter said.
Todd Tibbits, YMCA president and chief executive officer, said yesterday that the Y has cooperated fully with the investigation and is eager to hear the state's suggestions.
Rob Koenig, chairman of the Y's board of trustees, said state investigators during their visits complimented the YMCA on its well-organized bookkeeping, and issued no reprimands.
"Moving forward we intend to be more transparent with those financial records, but I can't really tell you that I would be in favor of providing every piece of financial information to the Blade or anyone else," Mr. Koenig said. "We're still a private organization."