May 24, 2011

Comptroller Maragos: County Contracts with AIDS Care Provider on HOLD
CEO’s salary over $500,000

Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos placed a hold on all pending contracts for the Long Island Association for Aids Care (LIAAC), a not-for-profit, until a thorough review can be completed of how taxpayer dollars are spent. The Chief Executive Officer of LIAAC received over $500,000 total in compensation for her work with LIAAC and two other not-for-profits in 2009.

"While the salary of this individual is not determined by the County it certainly raises a red flag as to how this organization spends taxpayer money," Comptroller Maragos said. "Our main concern is for the individuals that are suffering from HIV or AIDS and desperately need assistance. It is our responsibility to make sure they are receiving the help they need. We cannot allow CEOs of non-profits to live lavishly off the charity of our taxpayers intended to help the sick and the needy."

The Nassau County Comptroller’s office will begin an audit to review how much of the $220,000 in various contracts during 2010 actually made it to care for those seeking service. LIAAC also received over $3 million from New York State. Comptroller Maragos will be asking the State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, to also undertake a separate audit or to authorize the County Comptroller to extend its audit to include State funds.