A controversy surrounding a $357,000 check made out to a Kansas City-area turf company has sparked an ongoing state probe into a federally funded local tourism grant for the Lake of the Ozarks region. The grant was awarded by the Missouri Department of Economic Development in 2023 to the Greater Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau for improvements and expansion of Ballparks National, a destination baseball park in Camden County.
Former general manager of Ballparks National, Jeff Vernetti, defeated a two-term incumbent state representative in a recent Republican primary. The controversy arose when Osage Beach Mayor Michael Harmison claimed that Vernetti presented a check for reimbursement to the Convention and Visitors Bureau for work that had not been paid for.
Vernetti has denied any wrongdoing, stating that the check was prepared but not sent to the turf company because the product was not received. The Department of Economic Development terminated the grant in June due to ineligible project costs being disbursed. Vernetti, who now serves on the House Budget Committee, maintains a small ownership stake in Ballparks National.
The scandal has prompted an investigation by the Missouri State Auditor’s office, in response to a whistleblower complaint. The auditor’s office is currently reviewing the information received and taking the allegations seriously. Vernetti remains confident that all funds and vendor payments are accounted for and hopes for a positive resolution. Meanwhile, a request to reopen the grant is under review.
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