Phillips calls for implementing recommendations of State Auditor

June 22, 2009

Summary

Calls findings “disturbing” and asks for improvement plan within 60 days

Story

In response to the Washington State Auditor’s Office Accountability Audit Report containing findings that King County should improve management and increase safeguards over cash receipts and assets, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Larry Phillips is today introducing legislation and sending a letter to Executive Triplett calling for development of a comprehensive plan for improved business practices and internal controls within sixty days.

“When it comes to findings describing checks sitting unprocessed in a drawer, transit cash fares stacked in two-foot high piles left unsecured on a table, and inadequate accounting for county assets such as pharmaceuticals and computer monitors, the Executive must take immediate action to assure the public King County can and will do a better job protecting their resources,” said Phillips. “Anything less than strong, consistent daily management of King County’s activities is unacceptable.”

The audit, which reports on King County’s accountability and compliance with state laws and regulations and its own policies and procedures, identified 12 findings in the areas of construction management, cash management, inventory management, and fleet replacement funding. The audit examines financial transitions from July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008 and construction management from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008.

Phillips’ motion calls on the Executive to act upon the Auditor’s findings and develop a comprehensive plan for improved business practices and internal controls in King County. The motion calls for the plan to be reported to the Council within 60 days.

The role of the Council is to set policy and provide oversight over county government, while the Executive, Sheriff, Prosecutor, Judges, and Assessor are responsible for managing the county departments and divisions under their authority.

Phillips has been a strong proponent of exercising the Council’s oversight role to encourage auditing of county departments and bring effective reforms to King County. Some examples of reform initiatives sponsored or co-sponsored by Phillips include:

• Forming the Citizens Elections Oversight Committee and pushing for implementation of their recommendations;

• Creating a Capital Projects Oversight Program within the County Auditor’s Office to control cost overruns and unforeseen scope, schedule, and budget changes;

• Conducting a performance audit of Metro Transit to increase budget transparency and find opportunities to free up revenue for service through savings and efficiencies; and

• Passing the Performance and Accountability Act last year to establish a comprehensive countywide performance management and reporting system.

In his letter to Executive Triplett, Phillips calls the audit report, “a great opportunity for improving [King County’s] operations,” and states, “I am sure you share the view that we can make the necessary improvements called for by the State Auditor.”