Questions Raised About Red River, Atchafalaya, and Bayou Boeuf Levee District's Spending

A review of the Red River, Atchafalaya, and Bayou Boeuf Levee District’s controls found approximately $12,000 in spending that either was improper or could not be verified, the Legislative Auditor said in a report released today. Auditors evaluated how the District ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and overall accountability over public funds.

Auditors found that the District paid $2,452 for meal and hotel costs without having detailed itemized receipts. In addition, the former board president charged $1,048 on the District credit card for meals and lodging costs that occurred a day after a meeting of the Association of Levee Boards of Louisiana ended, as well as $222 for meals included in the registration costs of two levee association meetings. He and a Board commissioner also charged $501 for five meals that exceeded the amounts allowed by state travel regulations. Auditors found as well that the District did not maintain the documentation needed to justify 10 special meals totaling $2,811.

Auditors found the District commissioners’ per diem rate was increased without following state law. Starting in August 2015, the rate was increased from $75 to $97, and unauthorized payments totaling $1,188 were made.

District officials also paid $7,932 for pest control services without following the requirements set forth in the contract, auditors said. Under the contract, the District’s acceptance of services must be in writing before the work is done. The District had two services performed, totaling $7,932, without a written acceptance of service.