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Lawmakers urge clearer statute, more evaluation as audit prompts oversight questions
Summary
Lawmakers on the Legislative Audit Commission responded to the Office of the Legislative Auditor report by urging statutory clarification, consolidation of related programs, and improved monitoring ahead of Clean Water Fund renewal discussions.
Commission members used the OLA presentation to press for statutory clarification, better outcome measures and program consolidation where activities overlap across state and local bodies.
Representative Hansen recalled the early legislative debate and said the audit raises the central question: "Is it working in terms of water quality?" Representative Jacob, who said he was an early program participant, told the commission he does not approve of contingency use: "I do not approve of the use of contingencies." Representative Quam asked whether auditors had found any evidence of documents being falsified; Caitlin Zenoni Wells replied, "we did not observe any evidence of of that kind of activity." Several members said they will follow up during the next legislative session and that jurisdictional committees should examine program evaluation and funding.
Lawmakers asked MDA to provide additional detail on funding breakdowns (staffing, district support, and direct payments) and whether producers on contingencies received program incentives. The hearing concluded with the commission thanking auditors and agency staff and adjourning without votes.
