Shocking Audit Reveals Mismanagement of $1.7 Million in Federal Grants at USC

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Shocking Findings on USC’s Grant Spending!

In a stunning turn of events, a recent report from the university’s Legislative Audit Council (LAC) has revealed mismanagement of a whopping $1.7 million in federal grant money by the University of South Carolina’s Office of Economic Engagement. The investigation, which spanned over two years, indicated that there might have been potential violations of state ethics codes. If you’ve ever wondered how your tax dollars are being spent, this report might raise a few eyebrows!

What Went Wrong?

Let’s break it down. According to the LAC Audit Manager, John Kesslein, the General Assembly called for this audit back in 2022 to untangle the actions of USC’s Office of Economic Engagement, along with the USC/Columbia technology incubator and the South Carolina Research Foundation. What they uncovered is nothing short of alarming.

When asked about the nature of the funds, Kesslein explained, “We did not believe that the expenditures were necessarily consistent with the criteria that would be applied to these expenditures if they were spent appropriately according to the grant protocol, so that was the word we chose.” The term used was “questionable mismanagement of funds”, a phrase that certainly raises a red flag.

Where Did the Money Go?

So, what exactly was this money spent on, you ask? The audit report suggests some rather questionable purchases, including unopened computer labs for students, extras like fringe benefits for employees, and yes, even Apple Watches for USC staff. One can’t help but wonder if there could have been better uses for this money!

“These are just things that we think the money could have been spent on better or differently,” Kesslein pointed out, highlighting the need for more careful consideration when it comes to public funds.

The Big Questions

Now that the auditor has uncovered this spending saga, what’s next? What will happen to all those items bought with taxpayer money? Kesslein admits, “I don’t know what they are going to do with those. You’d have to ask the university what their plans are for that.”

The concern here isn’t just about the items purchased; it’s about the potential lack of oversight and controls regarding these transactions. Kesslein expressed that some measures should have been in place to question these expenditures.

USC’s Response

In response to these findings, USC President Michael Amiridis issued a statement saying, “The University of South Carolina is committed to prudent use of taxpayer funds, and welcomes good faith reviews of its practices.” It sounds like they’re taking the situation seriously, but many residents will be keeping a close eye on their next steps!

Looking Ahead

So, what will happen now? Well, it’s up to the university to take the auditor’s recommendations seriously. One major suggestion? Establishing a dedicated grant administrator to oversee these funds and ensure they’re used appropriately. With larger questions about accountability simmering, it’s crucial for USC to regain public trust.

As the dust settles, many will be curious about how this situation unfolds. Will there be reforms to prevent this from happening again? Will there be repercussions for this mismanagement of funds? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: taxpayers in South Carolina deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to their money.

Stay Tuned!

As more updates become available, we’ll be right here, ready to report on how USC will move forward from this financial fiasco. Let’s hope they turn this ship around and make responsible choices moving ahead.