Editor: 

We would like to bring to your attention a factual error in Marshall Smith’s latest article about the Art Alliance of Idyllwild that needs to be corrected.

His article states that “AAI hadn’t paid its sales tax in 2013 and had to pay a penalty.”

The fact of the matter is that the taxes and penalties that were paid in 2013 were due for unpaid sales tax from the years 2009 and 2010, prior to the tenure of AAI’s current board of directors. When our current treasurer, Reba Coulter, took over that position, it was she who discovered the error as she was bringing the reporting and payments current.

As it now stands, we believe that the article damages the professional reputation of the current board and Ms. Coulter, who has dutifully and timely paid the AAI sales tax as it is due.

We appreciate your timely attention to this correction.

Lesly Martin
Board Member/Communications Chair
Art Alliance of Idyllwild

 

Editor’s note: Marshall Smith did not make the statement. It was made by Patrick Barry at the AAI public meeting. 

However, from documents the Town Crier has received, it is not clear when the penalties were incurred. On AAI’s 2013 tax return, a report of  “prior year sales tax penalty” appears.

We are reviewing financial documents we have obtained and will be reporting further as the story is more fully documented.