Dianna Rios
July 14, 2022
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
Ryan Plotz
The Mitchell Law Firm, LLP
426 First Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Re: Your Letter Dated July 5, 2022
Dear Mr. Plotz:
Thank you for allowing me an opportunity for clarification; I was not the sole person handling payroll; that responsibility was on the FBID Board of Directors. I would run payroll with guidance from the FBID President, Vice President, and Treasurer, and often with help from our FBID CPA. As for the vacation and sick time, I was provided guidance on how to process them accurately, and when they were done correctly, the checks were considered correct, signed, and handed to me.
Unfortunately, your letter still alleges certain overpayments and provides no evidence to support those allegations of overpayments. In addition, the Auditor's management letter, internal control letter, and audited financial statements performed by Anderson, Lucas, Somerville & Borges, LLP mention nothing of an overpayment.
I was not the sole person responsible for the FBID financials or payroll. Instead, I was staff supporting the Fortuna Business Improvement Corporation Board of Directors, the Fortuna businesses, and our community to the best of my abilities. I was not trained as a bookkeeper, but I did the best I could with the support I was provided.
Em -