Feds want money back from Lake County YMCA

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is seeking the return of nearly $1 million in Head Start funds from the Lake County Family YMCA.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported the department’s inspector general issued a report Monday concluding the YMCA didn’t maintain adequate financial reports to meet the program’s standards.

As a result of the findings, the inspector general’s office recommends a little over $975,000 be returned to the federal government.

According to the report, Lake County Family YMCA CEO Lynda Chott didn’t disagree with the findings but doesn’t want to forfeit the money

Finance director Jim Malecha wouldn’t say how the YMCA would be affected if it’s forced to return the funds. The YMCA says the money was used for 2009-10 Early Head Start operations.