The festive year for the 750-year-old Oudenbosch has been saved. The anniversary threatened to end in a fiasco, after the treasurer of the foundation that organized the activities ran away with tens of thousands of euros in subsidy money. The municipality is now helping with a loan to close the gap.
The Oudenbosch 750 foundation received a subsidy of 90,000 euros from the municipality of Halderberge to organize the festivities for the residents. But the money ran out faster than expected.
In August it came to light that the 28-year-old treasurer had embezzled approximately 75,000 euros from the treasury. The Oudenbossche resident was exposed after suppliers sounded the alarm about unpaid bills. The treasurer turned out to use the money to finance his gambling addiction.
Benefit competition
Planned activities such as a final party were in doubt for a long time. Board member Mark Buijs called the embezzlement a ‘major loss in a special anniversary year’. The foundation started a crowdfunding campaign and raised money with a benefit match at the local football club.
The municipal council has now provided an interest-free loan of up to 50,000 euros to the foundation to provide more breathing space. The money can be used to pay the outstanding bills and organize the final party.
Refund arrangement
The amount must be repaid in installments. A repayment arrangement has been made with the treasurer. Lawyer Tom Roggenkamp previously told Omroep Brabant that the treasurer was ‘very sorry’ and would do ‘everything possible’ to repay the amount.
The Oudenbosch 750 foundation has filed a report against the treasurer. The police have now completed the investigation into the suspect. The Public Prosecution Service has yet to decide whether the treasurer will be prosecuted.