ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates discovered an organization that owes the state more than $1 million it was accused of misusing tax dollars has been given more money.
The Black Business Investment Fund, or BBIF, was granted more than $100,000 in advertisements.
The Orange County Commission gave the BBIF the green light for more money, even though the agency owes the city of Orlando $880,000 for a failed land deal, and owes the state $1 million after a judge said the group, which helps black-owned businesses, charged too much in loan fees.
Despite the money owed, Orange County leaders forked over $141,000 to the agency. The money will go to promote and develop black-owned businesses in the county.
Under the contract, the city said the nonprofit will make payments in four installments.
BBIF will be subject to audits and must keep its books in order and report every quarter.
Any violation could mean that it loses the deal and the money.
The contract also makes it clear that the taxpayer money can’t pay for lobbyists to help at the county or state levels.
The commissioners said they did not want businesses to be punished for bad deals.
Mayor Teresa Jacobs said she feels that the previous dealings were not all the fault of the BBIF, so the organization and its mission is worth taking a chance on.
The contact also said that none of the county’s money can go to the city of Orlando or the state.
Cox Media Group
