Potential recovery of $2.6 million referred to the AGO for legal action
(January 14, 2010)
OPA released its semi-annual Audit Recommendations Tracking Report for the period ending June 30, 2009. The number of delinquent recommendations decreased by 13 (31%) from 42 in 2008 to 29 during the fist six months of 2009. Agencies with delinquent recommendations as of June 30, 2009 include the Commonwealth Ports Authority, Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, Department of Finance, Department of Public Lands, Department of Public Safety, Marianas Visitors Authority, Northern Marianas College, Northern Mariana Islands Retirement Fund, and the Public School System. During the first six months of 2009, OPA tracked a total of 48 audit recommendations. Of the 48 audit recommendations, one was closed and 47 remained either open or resolved. Of the 47 open or resolved recommendations, 29 were considered delinquent.
Closed Recommendations
OPA closed one audit recommendation it tracked during the first six months of 2009.
Potential Recovery of $2.6 Million Referred to the AGO
As of June 30, 2009, audit recommendations in 7 audit reports were referred to the Attorney General’s Office for legal action to recover monies improperly expended. According to these 7 audit reports, approximately $2.6 million is potentially recoverable. On December 1, 2009, OPA met with the Attorney General to discuss the status of these referrals. The Attorney General advised OPA that AGO will conduct further review of these referrals and will provide OPA the results of its review. As such, the status of these referrals remains unchanged.
Potential Recovery of $3.7 Million Depend on Agencies’ Action
OPA identified potential recoveries of approximately $3.7 million in 8 audit reports addressed to various agencies. During its semi-annual follow-up process for the period January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009, OPA has not received any update on the status of recovery of funds from the responsible agencies. Therefore, approximately $3.7 million remains potentially recoverable from the previous report of December 31, 2008.
