Ky Governor Requests Audit of Racing Commission

On Wednesday Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher requested state auditor Crit Luallen to review policies and procedures by the former Kentucky Racing Commission, which he disbanded in January. Fletcher's letter to Luallen said the "Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet (EPPC) has learned of certain personnel, procurement, and payment practices that appear to be in conflict with ordinary and proper state government procedures." The EPPC oversees the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, the 16-member body that has replaced the commission.

Among the items of concern listed by Fletcher were a lack of reconciliation of the temporary receipt account to clerks' daily receipts from licenses and fines; improper travel and reimbursement procedures, including $368,000 in travel expenditures during a 19-month period; and inconsistent payroll data for employees.

Fletcher asked that the audited period begin in July of 2002 and run through January 2004. That would include reviewing some new procedures.

"The cabinet has implemented several new operating procedures to safeguard against waste and abuse, but I believe a review of these procedures and a complete understanding of how the commission operated in the past would prove beneficial in setting our new course for the future," Fletcher said in his letter.

Mark York of the EPPC said the timetable for the audit's completion is at Luallen's discretion.