‘Margate City Hall to stop paying bills for non-profit in 60 days - Sun Sentinel Page | of 2 Margate cuts ties with debt-ridden Alzheimer's Center By Lisa J. Huriash Sun Sentinel MARCH 23, 2015, 1:02 P| MARGATE ‘The City Commission, chafing under the burden of a half a million dollar debt, will sever its relationship with the non-profit Alzheimer's Ramily Center in two months. City officials said they were dismayed over the large debt, and question how it reached this amount over several years without anybody flagging the problem, and how much money — if any — will be recouped. “If this was a private business we'd all be fired,” said a frustrated Vice Mayor Tommy Ruzzano, “Who was watching this aceount? How did it get so high? And I hope whoever's watching it isnt watching another dollar inthis ety.” Now, city officials said they'll try to negotiate a settlement with the center. If both sides can't agree, there is the possibility the commission could seek a lien on the center's building on West Atlantic Boulevard. Joyce Karney, the center's executive director, said she is committed to keeping the center open and is looking, to fundraisers to generate funds. She said she was shocked to learn the bill othe city had reached $500,118 and said her auditors have yet to confirm the city’s figure. “Will we close? I hope not. We're going to make a very valiant effort to continue,” she said. Karey said the center opened in 1986 to provide support services for Alzheimer's patients. "On a handshake" the city and center agreed that the eity would cover the centers bill and be in charge of payroll so the center ‘could save money on a bookkeeper. When the center had a major fundraiser, the money went to the city In 2007 the city asked for a formal contract requiring an end to the arrangement ifthe center owed more than $75,000. Kamey said the center never had trouble meeting its bills, in part beeause its founder, former state representative and influential lobbyist, Jack Tobin, easily raised money when needed. He died in 201. ‘The first sign of trouble came in 2013. Karey said some supporters stopped donating, and she thought the center owed the city only $150,000. The city initially said the debt was over $300,000 and the number has continued to grow. in 2014 Karney cut back on staff and eliminated health insurance for employees. She has tried three times to refinance the mortgage, but has been denied, 'm still seratching my head,” she said. "We're still trying to be there in the community. It has caused so many problems for us, I can't tell you.” ‘The City Commission will only continue to pay bills for the center for the next 60 days if the money is paid first in a cashier's check. After that, the city is done, http://www. sun-sentinel, com/local/broward/-margate-money-payback-20150323-story ht... 3/23/2015Margate City Hall to stop paying bills for non-profit in 60 days - Sun Sentinel Page 2 of 2 “This isa 27-year relationship,” said William Cea, the attomey forthe center. "It's shame that it's gotten to this, It’s a shame we're here at this point .. Something went wrong, I can't explain it. I don't know how it went ‘wrong or whete it got off the tracks but it did.” Inuriash@sunsentinel.com or 954-572-2008 Copyright © 2015, Sun Sentinel FROM AROUND THE WEB ‘Sponsored Links by Taboola You'll Never Believe What Is In A Slim Jim WIRED How this Razor is Changing the Shaving Industry Harrys A.credit card offering 6% cash back? NoxtAdvisor The Cast of Spaceballs - Where Are They Now? Rant Hollywood ‘Top 15 Artists Who Are Older Than You Thought POPHite Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Share Big News About ‘Divorce’ tinting Daily Projected First Round of 2016 NFL Draft Rantsports He Started at 14: How This 23 Year Old Millionaire Invests CNN Money | Wealthfront http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/f1-margate-money-payback-20150323-story. ht. 3/23/2015ss SS ESE me Ts s Ts ‘s TReT ss : wea yi RTPI TTT £100 “O¢ raquiandag SAND TV LNAWNYSAOD YOLVINNON LAaHS JONV1V4 ONINIGNOD VaIdOTS ‘SANVT ATVANAGAVT JO ALID