Erie County officials have formally petitioned the District Attorney’s office to launch a comprehensive investigation into the former leadership of the Seneca Babcock Community Association. The request follows allegations that the agency’s former director submitted fraudulent documentation to secure taxpayer-funded county grants, despite the organization having forfeited its legal not-for-profit status years prior.
Lapsed Status and Continued Public Funding
Brian Pilarski, the former executive director of the association, resigned his position after acknowledging a failure to file mandatory IRS 990 forms for several consecutive years. This administrative negligence resulted in the Internal Revenue Service revoking the agency’s 501(c)(3) status in June 2021. Despite this disqualification, the organization continued to solicit and receive public funds.
During a recent session with Erie County legislators, Eric Tower, a special assistant commissioner for the Erie County Department of Social Services, revealed that the county remained unaware of the agency’s lapsed status for nearly three years. According to Tower, Seneca Babcock submitted paperwork to the county affirming it was a non-profit in good standing, even as federal records indicated otherwise.
Financial Breakdown: Millions in Taxpayer Dollars
The scale of the funding provided to the Seneca Babcock Community Association has raised significant alarms regarding fiscal oversight in Buffalo and the surrounding region. Since 2017—the last year the agency reportedly filed a federal tax return—it has received an estimated $5 million from a combination of Erie County and City of Buffalo sources.
| Funding Source / Timeline | Estimated Amount | Status of IRS Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Total Funding (2017–Present) | $5,000,000+ | Delinquent after 2017 |
| Grants Awarded (Post-June 2021) | $110,000 (9 Grants) | Revoked Status |
While investigators have not yet found evidence that the grant money was misappropriated or used for personal gain, the focus remains on the integrity of the application process. The District Attorney’s office is tasked with determining if the submission of these documents constitutes a criminal misrepresentation to the government.
A Call for Legislative Reform and Oversight
The revelation has sparked a debate within the local political landscape regarding how the county monitors the organizations it funds. Legislator Frank Todaro (R – 8th District), who was instrumental in bringing these discrepancies to light, has called for a systemic overhaul of how the Poloncarz administration vets grant recipients.
“When one organization falls through the cracks to this extent, it suggests a broader vulnerability in our oversight mechanisms,” Todaro noted, emphasizing that taxpayer dollars must be protected by rigorous, ongoing verification of an agency’s legal standing.
Independent Audit Underway
In addition to the District Attorney’s criminal review, Erie County Comptroller Kevin Hardwick’s office has confirmed it is conducting its own independent audit of the association’s finances and the county’s vetting procedures. A detailed report, which is expected to offer recommendations for tightening fiscal controls, is anticipated within the next six to eight months.
As this investigation unfolds, Lake Erie Times will continue to provide in-depth coverage of the impact on the Seneca Babcock neighborhood and the broader Western New York community. For more updates on community affairs and regional accountability, visit our Community Section.
Disclaimer: The content provided by Lake Erie Times is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional legal or financial advice. William Strasmore is a dedicated news reporter in Western New York; his full portfolio can be found on his author page.
