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Akron resident alleges $7,000–$10,000 missing from ARPA-funded home repairs; council pledges follow-up
Summary
Mary Margaret Riley told Akron City Council she received a $25,000 ARPA grant but alleges $7,000–$10,000 was misappropriated, citing itemized charges she says were not performed; council said staff will follow up with her to investigate.
Mary Margaret Riley told Akron City Council on Feb. 9 that she received a $25,000 federal American Rescue Plan Act grant for home repairs but believes $7,000–$10,000 of the work was misappropriated or not completed.
"I received an ARPA grant in the amount of 25,000... but there's misappropriation and fraud to the tune of 7 to $10,000," Riley said, listing what she described as itemized charges that were never performed, including a two-window replacement for $1,200, a main service cable and panel replacement for $4,000, and a first-service/repairs charge for $600. She said she bought and replaced a filter herself and described other work as "shoddy," saying contractors used nails instead of screws.
Riley said she pursued the issue through multiple city and state offices, naming Councilman Phil Lombardo, Dwayne Lash in the mayor’s office, Nanette Pitt and Aja Mixon in other offices, and state representatives Casey Weinstein and Derek Hall in Columbus. She said she requested but was not provided a final itemized report and obtained one after asking the city for public records.
Council President Margo Somerville said council and staff would follow up. "We'll make sure that we get in touch with you to see how we can help resolve the issue," Somerville said after Riley's remarks.
The complaint was raised during the meeting’s public-comment period; no formal motion or investigation was announced on the council floor. City officials present noted that citizens may file public-record requests and that staff would coordinate with the resident and relevant offices. Riley asked council to review files and, if appropriate, amend records and remedy any wrongdoing.
What happens next: council members and staff indicated they would be in contact with Riley to gather records and determine next steps. The transcript does not record a formal referral, a staff report date, or any administration response that adjudicates the substance of Riley’s allegations.
Authorities referenced in public comment included federal ARPA funds and Ohio public-record rules; no specific city ordinance or departmental policy was cited for an audit or appeals process in the meeting record.
