The Office of the Metro Auditor released an audit today that reviewed Metro’s management of the natural areas it owns. The purpose of this audit was to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches Metro had taken to maintain its land.
Over the last 15 years, Metro raised $363 million for land acquisition as the result of two voter-approved bond measures. It currently owns over 15,000 acres of land. Auditors studied three new nature parks in depth and also reviewed the overall strength of the program. They found that the program had evolved over time as Metro’s experience grew. As it approaches the end of its second bond measure, Metro needs to improve its strategy to maintain this land into the future.
“Metro was well prepared for purchasing natural areas,” Metro Auditor Suzanne Flynn said. “However, it has not applied the same rigor and preparation to maintaining the land.”
Auditor Flynn noted that while Metro knew that acquiring land would bring with it a responsibility, early plans to share responsibility with local jurisdictions and to secure a stable funding source were not realized.
“Our report recommends that Metro reorganize and regroup,” Auditor Flynn said. “An overall strategy on how maintenance costs will be matched to available resources is needed.”
“We are pleased with senior management’s response to this audit,” Auditor Flynn added, “Metro is proposing changes that should strengthen its efforts.”
Copies of the audit may also be obtained by calling the Office of the Metro Auditor at 503-797-1892. The Metro Auditor will brief the Metro Council on May 3.