But in a year when most departments were either cut or saw their budgets remain stagnant, Auditor General Junior Patrick said he believes he can launch the beginnings of expansion with the modest increase the parliament has approved.
“My appreciation to the Appropriations Committee,” Patrick said Wednesday as he looked ahead to revamping his office this fiscal year that started October 1. “It’s way below what we requested, but it is something.”
To support the Auditor General’s new three-division structure, which has been approved by the Public Service Commission, Patrick requested a step up of $388,000 for FY2012. He will get about $95,000 additional in FY2012.
The aim is to set up three branches: performance auditing, financial/compliance auditing, and an investigation division. The US Department of Interior is backing Patrick’s plans with a $376,000 grant to support training and development of auditors’ skills in performance and financial audits, and in carrying out investigations.
Since late last year, the Attorney General’s office has filed dozens of fraud and theft charges against 10 government workers and local business people alleging theft of more than $500,000 between 2007 and 2010. The FY 2010 audit conducted by Deloitte auditors raised numerous questions about the use of more than $2.5 million in government funds.
Patrick said the newly approved funding will help him recruit managers for the three new divisions once he receives Cabinet endorsement for the new staff. Government attempts to reduce spending over the past two years have produced the requirement that any new posts in the government need the okay of Cabinet before they can be opened and filled.
Currently, there are eight staff in the Auditor’s office in addition to Patrick. Patrick plans to bump this to 20 to meet the constitutional requirements of the Auditor General’s office, but won’t be able to do this in 2012 for lack of money.
