The budget request is here. I do not see written approval/consent from any steward within that thread.
Work of the same, or similar nature, was requested at least twice last term. It did not receive widespread support. See, Real-time community health analytics or Dedicated analytics hover group for reference.
It appears that the creation of a subgroup may have been interpreted as a blanket approval of funds. Assuming that any amount budget is authorized without going through the proper approval process is procedurally incorrect. Also, a single steward can not approve any funding by themselves.
Discussing the finer details of this may be irrelevant at this point in time… The user who incorrectly promised the funds has declared they will be initiating a “soft off-board” from ENS DAO, and the current meta-governance stewards have decided not to pay the sum of $2500 requested in the budget linked above.
Please refrain from personal attacks or mudslinging.
General guidelines for discussion conduct can be found: here.