Audit Story Archives - Page 4 of 4 - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Courtesy Patrol Could Save $8 Million If State Took Control

An audit says a roadside assistance service using state money could save up to $8.4 million over three years if the Division of Highways controlled it, among other changes.

Legislative Auditor Aaron Allred’s office released highlights of the Courtesy Patrol audit on Sunday.

The audit says Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia, which runs the program, received $23.9 million in state money from fiscal year 2006 through 2014.

It says the highways division overpaid the group $96,100.

It says the division potentially increased costs by replacing Courtesy Patrol vehicles and renewing contracts at an increased rate. The division expedited payments through the state auditor’s office and paid the group before the service period ended.

It says the division didn’t monitor fuel spending or use traffic data to manage scheduling.

Audit: Agriculture Dept. Gave $662,000 to Failing Farmer's Market

An audit says the state Department of Agriculture spent $662,000 in federal money on refrigeration upgrades at a failing farmer's market.Legislative…

An audit says the state Department of Agriculture spent $662,000 in federal money on refrigeration upgrades at a failing farmer’s market.

Legislative Auditor Aaron Allred wrote that the Inwood Farmer’s Market has lost about $100,000 annually over six consecutive years, including 2013. The Berkeley County market was awarded the grant in June 2011.

The report follows an audit detailing problems under former Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass. The main issue stemmed from alleged mismanagement of money in a $5 million revolving loan program.

The second audit detailed other instances of possible fraud and abuse. It was released in a legislative committee Tuesday.

It found possible open meetings law violations within the committee that oversaw the loan program.

The current agriculture administration said the market project was deemed legitimate at the time.

Audit: Mine Injury Underreporting Data Lacking

An audit says the Mine Safety and Health Administration needs to improve its data on underreporting of mining injuries and illnesses so that it can better…

An audit says the Mine Safety and Health Administration needs to improve its data on underreporting of mining injuries and illnesses so that it can better target enforcement efforts.

The audit by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General says the agency has taken steps to detect and deter underreporting of accidents and illnesses. But more can be done to address the problem.

The audit recommends that the agency derive better estimates of the overall occurrence, magnitude and distribution of underreporting. It also recommends providing guidance to mine operators on programs that could discourage miners from reporting injuries and illnesses.

In its response, the mine safety agency said it would consider sponsoring or participating in additional underreporting studies. It also is developing guidance for mine operators.