BIA financial review finds no wrong doing

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A financial review of the Downtown Tillsonburg Business Improvement Association, in connection with an anonymous letter circulated last summer, found “no wrong-doing or financial irregularities”.

After the anonymous letter was circulated last summer, council asked for a review of alleged cash transactions in connection with six businesses. The town’s auditor completed a deep dive into the transactions, and a report to council stated the investigation was concluded satisfactorily and the requested cash records were provided.

In a follow-up to the investigation, a statement was released from the town stating council “supports and defends” the BIA board of management.

Coun. Kelly Spencer said the review generated costs that were paid by the taxpayer.

“Board members of the BIA shared they have spent countless hours on retrieval of these transactions,” she said. “This took away time and opportunity costs from them. The harassment led to two board members resigning, and kept the BIA from fulfilling their mandate. Our BIA board felt frustrated with this extra audit as the BIA already had an audited 2024 and this was a result of an anonymous letter and no wrongdoings were found.”

She also said the board has two accountants as members, as well as a financial manager for the province. Spencer was adamant that council should stick to its policy of not responding to anonymous complaints.

BIA agreement renewed

At the same meeting, on Dec. 8, council approved a new memorandum of understanding with the BIA. The new agreement saw a 50 per cent increase in the amount paid from 2025, to bring the 2026 total to $58,959. Going forward, the agreement has two per cent increases per year for 2027 and 2028.

BIA Executive Director Mark Renaud said the increase was due to greater costs associated with clean-up and maintenance of the downtown. He said there is a higher frequency of social issues, and the severity of the incidents has increased.

Council also approved the appointment of Jennifer Young of Jennifer Young Paralegal to the BIA board of management.