Audit questions state meal expenses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A state audit released Friday said the state Department of Conservation has spent excessive amounts on food for luncheons and other gatherings during the past two years.

In 2001 and 2002, the department spent more than $500,000 on meals that "do not appear to be prudent uses of public monies and are not necessary to accomplish the mission of the department," according to the report from State Auditor Claire McCaskill's office.

For example, the department served a meal for 70 guests at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis at a cost of $46 per person, the audit showed.

Audits of several state agencies in recent months have questioned apparently high expenditures for meals.

The Conservation Department is funded by a one-eighth-cent sales tax and does not receive any general state revenue.

The audit also called attention to the $60,000 spent during a two-year period ending last June on items including volunteer service awards, service pins and plaques for department employees.

Conservation officials said those expenditures were justified.

"All volunteers serve without compensation and in turn are recognized with very nominal awards for their hours contributed," the department said in its response.

As for the employee recognition items, the department said the pins and plaques "contribute to employee pride within the organization and help to account for the department's low employee turnover."

The audit also noted that $25,000 was spent in 2001 for exercise equipment, which the department said was part of improving employee health.

"Substantial savings in medical expenses are possible by encouraging employees to participate in a physical fitness programs," the department said.

The auditor's office reviews state agencies' performance and makes recommendations for practices and policies. Agencies are not required by law to implement those recommendations.