17/06/2021
The thinly veiled threat of litigation to the city wasn't the only talk of lawsuits from the organization. SWNI's board also discussed the possibility of suing Umpqua Bank after the financial institution rejected SWNI's request for a second-round Paycheck Protection Program loan in May. SWNI received a nearly $66,000 PPP loan last year. Since then, the organization laid off all but one part-time staffer.
During a board meeting in late May, President Leslie Hammond said Umpqua staff initially gave her the impression the second-draw loan application would be approved. In its May newsletter, SWNI reported the organization "received approval for a $70,800 federal grant."
But a letter to Hammond from Umpqua Bank dated May 10 indicates SWNI didn't qualify for the loan the second time around.
Board discussion of the PPP loan request was limited, at Hammond's request. A memo sent to board members prior to the May 26 meeting advised them not to talk at length about the financial matter, in an attempt to avoid press coverage.
Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who oversees the Civic Life bureau, said she has no intention of reversing her decision to cut city funding to the Southwest Portland district coalition.
Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. Officers of the SWNI board and Committee Members: Steve Mullinax Lee Buhler Janet Hawkins M Charles Van Rossen Marianne Fitzgerald actions during the time of the embezzlement and current concerns were cited in the audit report leading the city to withhold funding.
On heels of Civic Life audit, Southwest district coalition warns of lawsuit without renewed funding
