A Performance Audit
The Use of Selected State Funds by the Department of Agriculture
May 2025
Overview
The State Auditor's Office analyzed the Department of Agriculture's (Department) use of state funds for the Commissioner of Agriculture's travel and the operation of the Biosecurity Inspection Program (Program). The scope of this audit was limited to the Department's use of funds authorized by Riders 26 and 31 in the General Appropriations Act (88th Legislature).
As of April 30, 2025, the Department:
- Spent more than $2,500 in state appropriated funds for the Commissioner's travel in fiscal year 2024. The Commissioner's travel has not exceeded $2,500 for fiscal year 2025.
- Spent 52 percent of the funds appropriated by Rider 31, and it had hired fewer than the 60 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) authorized for the Program.
- Spent or has committed to spend Rider 31 funds of $822,869 to purchase 11 vehicles, 3 mobile inspection units, and 4 multi-use light equipment vehicles, and to lease 4 vehicles for the Program.
- Coordinated with the Animal Health Commission for the operation of the Program's inspection stations and allowed the Commission to conduct livestock inspections at those stations.
- Operated three regional agricultural biosecurity inspection teams in fiscal years 2024 and 2025.