Summary of Report 99-030

March 1999

Report Number 99-030

Overall Conclusion

The 75th Legislature's emphasis on limiting employee travel expenditures and using travel funds appropriately increased awareness of the need to manage travel funds wisely. As a result, state agencies and universities spent approximately $13.6 (11.3 percent) million less on travel in Appropriation Year 1998 than in Appropriation Year 1997. Forty-two state entities were not in compliance with the mandated travel cap. However, audit results indicate that, overall, state entities are spending travel funds appropriately.

The travel cap reduced total statewide travel spending from appropriated funds. Agencies and universities achieved an overall reduction in travel expenditures as mandated by the Legislature for Appropriation Year 1998. Information from the State's Uniform Statewide Accounting System (USAS) showed that during 1997, travel expenses reported by all state entities amounted to approximately $120 million. In 1998, they spent $107 million. Some state entities did not comply with the travel cap mandate. Others reported varying effects from the spending limitation.

Key Facts and Findings

• Some Agencies and Universities Did Not Adhere to the Travel Cap
  

Forty-two (or 19.8 percent) state agencies and universities were not in compliance with the mandated travel cap, as of November 11, 1998. USAS data indicated these state entities had spent $1.3 million over the travel cap. State universities accounted for 25 of the 42 entities that exceeded the travel limitation. In addition to state appropriated funds, universities have access to local funds.

Agencies and Universities Reported Varying Effects From the Travel Cap

Some agencies and universities, included in the scope of this audit, indicated the travel cap affected their ability to fulfill planned activities. They reported various levels of impact ranging from minimal to severe. Areas mentioned as being affected included meeting statutory requirements, training, staff development, or administrative duties. Some agencies and universities, included in the scope of this audit, indicated the travel cap affected their ability to fulfill planned activities. They reported various levels of impact ranging from minimal to severe.

Agencies and Universities Are Spending Travel Funds Appropriately

Audit work at 12 state agencies confirmed that they spent travel funds appropriately Apart from compliance with the travel cap, travel expenditures for the 12 agencies were reasonable, properly documented, and appropriate. We found no evidence of gross negligence or fraud.

Contact the SAO about this report.

Download the PDF version of this report. (.pdf)

HTML Equivalent (utilizing Adobe's PDF Conversion by Simple Form).