Baltimore taxpayers may end up paying the federal government back for missing ARPA funds connected to the failed $1.4 million Clean Corps contract awarded to The Lazarus Rite, according to comments made during recent Baltimore budget hearings.

Councilman Isaac Yitzy Schleifer said city officials confirmed that taxpayers could ultimately be responsible for the fallout after the contract was canceled amid allegations that a significant portion of the funds were misused.

Unlike many city contracts that reimburse expenses after documentation is submitted, a large portion of the funding was reportedly provided upfront.

Schleifer also criticized the Baltimore Civic Fund for allegedly refusing to pursue recovery of the missing funds.