Investigation ensues over mishandling of GRO money 

 

COLUMBUS—Polk County Government announced Wednesday that it will be taking over the Columbus Farmers Market effective this Saturday, June 8.  

“It has been brought to the attention of Polk County Local Government by the board of directors of the nonprofit Growing Rural Opportunities, or GRO, that there has been a potential mishandling of money associated with GRO,” said the county’s statement.  

Polk County Manager Marche Pittman said the GRO board met Tuesday and asked the county to take the farmers market back until the investigation is complete.  

“We see the value in that market and we want to keep it sustainable,” Pittman said. “We don’t want to see the farmers suffer.”  

Pittman said Polk County Agriculture Economic Developer Dawn Jordan will now oversee the market.  

“We are glad to help GRO manage during this time of transition,” Pittman said. “Polk County is committed to ensuring that this farmers market sustains to help our agricultural community.”  

Current GRO Director Erika McMillan, who is on leave without pay currently, said Wednesday that the post made by the county Wednesday morning was the first she heard of their assumption of responsibility of the Columbus Farmers Market.  

She said on Dec. 19, 2018, three members of the GRO board of directors met with a captain of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to file a report after an internal review of the GRO’s books from 2016-2018, which resulted in evidence of undocumented electronic transfers on part of the organization’s former director.  

“I will support Growing Rural Opportunities with any investigation into potential mishandling of private and public funds,” McMillan said. “I continue to work for and advocate for the local farmers and small farm businesses that I have served for the last 14 months.”  

GRO is a nonprofit supported mainly by grants. The board recently had a few members resign, with the board currently consisting of members Jordan, Bill Barker and Polk County Commissioner Ray Gasperson. The board is currently seeking new members.