ISU president says university will return forensic lab funds, vows tighter controls

Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that ISU will return previously appropriated funds tied to an Eastern Idaho forensic pathology laboratory and that the university will strengthen procedures to ensure legislative intent is followed.

The clarification came as Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, gave an overview of ISU's budget and highlighted technical reporting issues in the tuition and fees fund balances. Campbell told the committee he had identified a data error that made the beginning fund balance appear inaccurate and that he was tracking down the cause. "I discovered this in the course of preparing this presentation," Campbell said. "If appropriate, I'll update this data later for the record. For now, I want to note that I reviewed the actual fund balances in the State Treasury and happily, ISU has not overdrawn its bank account."

Why it matters: Lawmakers pressed ISU leadership about a legislative appropriation intended for an Eastern Idaho forensic pathology center that later was moved to a county partner. Committee members sought assurance that…