SAN CARLOS — An attempt to stop disbursement of discretionary funds during an election period was narrowly rejected by the San Carlos Apache Tribal Council.
A motion to suspend the practice of council members directing the disbursement of General Assistance Funds while running for re-election was defeated by a 4-3 vote at the council’s most recent meeting.
General Assistance Funds are financial aid for tribal members’ necessities, such as food, housing and utilities. The funds can also be used to help with funeral costs.
The funds are administered by the tribal Social Services Department, and a forensic audit was ordered in June after allegations of nearly $500,000 were discovered missing from the funeral assistance fund. Four employees were placed on paid administrative leave as part of the investigation.
