Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Audit And Program Update topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Audit urges more oversight; DOR moves to hire compliance staff and refine grant reporting
Summary
Following an audit and media coverage, DOR staff told the advisory council they will increase reporting, add a compliance position, and refine progress reporting and site visits; staff also flagged a proposed rule change to require out‑of‑state street‑legal vehicles to buy the OHV decal.
Program manager Wade Allison briefed the advisory council on a recent audit and DOR’s near‑term response. Wade said the audit recommended greater advisory council involvement in financial oversight and stronger compliance and reporting protocols. He noted that a KSL story had prompted public attention but characterized some coverage as "a little bit misleading" while agreeing the audit contained actionable recommendations.
Rachel Toker outlined how the division plans to implement the audit recommendations: create category‑specific progress‑reporting questions (so applicants report outcomes that match the project type), increase in‑person site visits, and assign an internal compliance officer to review invoices and project documents. She identified an internal hire, Carolyn Wyler, to serve as the compliance staffer who will lead audits and follow‑up checks on grant performance.
Rule change and reciprocity: Council discussed a staff proposal to amend rule language so out‑of‑state street‑legal vehicles that use Utah's managed OHV resources must purchase the $35 out‑of‑state decal (removing an administrative reciprocity pathway some riders used to avoid contributing). Nicole (division attorney) said the statute already requires a decal; staff proposed making the rule consistent with statute and circulating draft rule language to the advisory council before filing.
Other program initiatives: Wade described proposed operational investments including a volunteer coordinator position, hiring seasonal single‑track workers, and possible heavy‑equipment crews. He also asked the council to research helmet and seat‑belt laws for side‑by‑sides (citing a recent fatal crash near Parowan) and suggested the Arizona statute as an example to review.
Next steps: Staff said they will circulate the audit and a fiscal‑year overview, finalize the compliance hire and reporting questions, share draft rule language on reciprocity, and bring proposed safety or legislative options back to the council.
