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Legislative Audit Committee reviews 2022 single-audit findings; agencies asked for follow-up
Summary
Committee members pressed multiple agencies on repeat federal findings and pandemic-era funding effects during review of the Montana Single Audit (22-02), requesting follow-up data from OPI, Commerce, DPHHS, DOLI and MDT.
On Sept. 11 the Legislative Audit Committee reviewed the Montana Single Audit (22-02) and questioned agency officials about repeat federal findings, pandemic-era funding effects and specific controls. Karen Cohlhepp, financial-compliance audit manager, led the presentation on the single-audit framework and results; multiple agencies then presented responses and took follow-up requests from the committee.
Members pressed whether increases in federal audit findings were mainly attributable to pandemic funding; Sen. Pat Flowers specifically raised the question with Ms. Cohlhepp. Office of Budget and Program Planning staff presented an initial response. The Office of Public Instruction (OPI) presented findings related to ESSER/EANS funds; OPI representatives including April Grady, CFO, and audit staff answered questions about allocations and internal audit capacity. Rep. Laura Smith asked OPI to provide documentation on special education allocations to the committee within days.
Commerce auditors presented Section 8-related findings; Chair Ellsworth asked for regional Section 8 waitlist data and the committee requested that Director Cohen provide the waitlist breakdown by region (the committee received that data by email on Sept. 18). Department of Transportation audit staff discussed certified payroll and repeat findings; MDT deputy director Larry Flynn responded and members questioned employee housing and payroll controls.
DPHHS officials addressed card-production security, SNAP monitoring and declining TANF figures; Director Charlie Brereton agreed to supply requested TANF data in writing. Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Sarah Swanson answered questions about unemployment insurance and call-center operations; Chair Ellsworth asked for a report on current call wait and response times.
Committee members acknowledged receipt of the Montana University System audit when Rep. Lyn Hellegaard moved that the report be filed and distributed; the motion carried unanimously. For other agencies, the committee logged follow-up requests rather than taking direct remedial votes; staff and agencies were asked to return requested data and monitoring documents for further review.
The single-audit review generated numerous data requests but no immediate changes to program eligibility or funding at the meeting. Committee staff indicated some information would be provided within days and additional follow-up will be scheduled as necessary.
