In an audit released today, the Office of the Metro Auditor reviewed progress made on recommendations in the 2012 audit, Metro’s Natural Areas: Maintenance Strategy Needed. Nearly three years after the initial audit was released, auditors found that all nine recommendations were in process. Two of the five recommendations in an accompanying letter to management had not been fully implemented.
The 2012 audit found more clarity was needed to strategically plan what maintenance would be done, who would do it, and how it would be funded. The audit recommended the Natural Areas Program prioritize areas for maintenance and improve the organization of responsibilities. Since the audit, the program developed systems to improve land management, including a handbook to prioritize work, new processes to increase accountability, and a database to track projects.
The current review found that Metro had made progress in creating a foundation for its maintenance activities but more work was necessary. “The program has improved documentation and set up additional management systems,” Metro Auditor Brian Evans said. “The complexity of land management responsibilities continues to increase, which makes a clear strategy for maintenance so important.” In response, management agreed to continue working on the recommendations.
The audit is available online. Copies of the audit can also be obtained by calling the Office of the Metro Auditor at 503-797-1892. The Metro Auditor will brief the Metro Council on Thursday, April 2.