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Idaho State President says forensic pathology funds will be returned after review; audit requested
Summary
Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee that an internal review found shortcomings in oversight of funds appropriated for an Eastern Idaho forensic pathology center, that a small portion of funds was spent on a consultant, and that remaining funds will be returned while an audit is under way.
Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that funds the Legislature earlier appropriated for an Eastern Idaho Forensic Pathology Center were handled without adequate institutional controls and that the university will return the remaining funds to the state while the Legislature’s requested audit proceeds.
Wagner said the university became aware of the issue in late 2023 and subsequently reviewed communications and agreements between the county and ISU. “There is and continues to be a tremendous need in the Eastern portion of the state for a facility like that,” Wagner told the committee, but he added that ISU “should have kept those funds” and implemented stronger invoice and tracking procedures. He said ISU had expended a small portion of the appropriation for a consultant and, following a memorandum of understanding, transferred remaining funds to the county; under his leadership the remaining monies will be returned to the state.
The committee’s budget and policy analyst, Kevin Campbell of the Legislative Services Office, earlier told members that his staff had prepared a report on the matter and that an audit had been requested and was “just now in process” to ensure no lines were crossed. Campbell said the report is available online to the committee and the public.
Representative Scott Manwaring (committee member) asked Wagner to describe the process ISU used and the changes the university will make so that legislative intent is followed. Wagner said ISU will “identify ownership of legislative funds and accountability” and institute procedures to track and invoice appropriated dollars so the university and the Legislature can be confident funds are used as intended.
Senator Lori Zitterfeld and other committee members thanked Wagner for returning the funds and for the university’s stated commitment to improved transparency. The committee did not take a formal vote during the presentation; Campbell confirmed the audit request was active.
What happens next: The committee was informed that the Legislative Services Office has posted its report and that the requested audit is underway. Wagner said he will work with the Legislature to document the changes ISU will make to financial controls to prevent a recurrence and to ensure legislative intent is met.
Notes and constraints: The transcript records that ISU expended “a small portion” of the appropriation for a consultant; no dollar amount for that consultant or for the original appropriated sum is stated in the committee transcript and therefore is not reported here.
