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PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - On Wednesday, City of Pittsburgh Controller Michael Lamb released an audit of the City’s Special Events Trust Funds.
The purpose of this fund is "to accept funds from various public and private foundations, and individuals, organizations and agencies for Special Parks Programs, in the Department of Parks and Recreation, and to deposit all funds for said programs and providing for the payment of expenses in connection with the Special Parks Programs."
During the process, auditors used the time to conduct an investigation that looked into "policies, procedures, and internal controls relating to the administration" of the City’s Special Events Trust Funds.
The 2018 Farmers Market, Great Race Merchandise sales, and Recreation Center Rentals were under special examination.
The audit covers a three-year period from 2016 through 2018.
And City Controller Lamb found some interesting expenses.
"Our audit uncovered weaknesses in existing internal controls and a lack of policies and procedures," said City Controller Michael Lamb.
"We also found some questionable expenditures from the fund."
The audit unveiled some misappropriated SETF money that was used for an overnight hotel stay before the 2018 Great Race.
Employees can be reimbursed for stays of this nature if the event is held outside the city’s limits, but the Great Race is held within the city.
This was determined by the auditor to be an "improper use of City funds."
"While not a very large sum of money, oversight should be established to ensure that City funds are properly spent and that expenses are not wasteful or excessive," said Lamb.
"Specifically, expenditures for lodging, food, and beverages should be made in accordance with the city code, and measures should be in place to confirm that all expenditures comply with the legislation governing the fund."
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