Parks and Wildlife Department
An Audit Report on Management Controls at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Report Number 96-013
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's management controls promote efficient and effective service delivery. While the controls are generally effective, improvements would enhance the efficiency of several control systems. The Department recognizes this need and is currently improving these systems. Efficiency is important since the Department is responsible for managing assets valued at more than $500 million and plays a key role in the State's outdoor recreation industry.
The Department does not currently have the funds to meet the estimated $186 million in needed facility repairs and improvements for fiscal years 1995 through 2000. Management needs to continue developing strategies to meet these needs.
The Department has been proactive in seeking ways to increase revenues and cut costs. While these efforts are noteworthy, improvements in revenue control systems would further enhance the Department's efforts to cover operating costs with user fees. While marketing efforts are occurring, management needs to develop a Department-wide comprehensive marketing plan. Replacement of the current inefficient license sales process with a point-of-sale system needs to continue. The Department loses an estimated $400,000 in interest income annually because of the inefficient system.
Many Department information systems operate in an inflexible and inefficient mainframe environment. The Department needs to continue reviewing their migration plan to a server-based environment and determine if ways exist to quicken the process. Other needs are a more efficient financial system, an adequate executive information system, and a comprehensive customer information system. The Department recognizes these needs and is currently enhancing these systems.
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